The state government is in action mode following the incident of sexual exploitation of two girls aged just four years at a popular private school in Badlapur, Thane near Mumbai. Massive protests have been taking place in Mumbai since Tuesday against the incident. On Tuesday, the Mumbai local was stopped by the crowd for about 10 hours. On Wednesday, the crowd barged into the house of the accused. There was a lot of vandalism. Under pressure from the protests, the state government suspended several police officers. It was alleged that the police delayed in registering the FIR in the case.
The Maharashtra government on Wednesday directed all schools in the state to install CCTV cameras in their premises within a month. The order issued by School Education Minister Deepak Kesarkar said that failure to comply with the order could lead to serious consequences such as cancellation of work permit.
The order said that all private schools in the state need to follow the department’s new guidelines, which mandate installation of CCTV cameras at appropriate places in the school premises. If this is not followed, action may be taken, such as withholding financial aid or revoking the school’s operating permit.
The order said that the CCTV footage should be checked at least three times a week and it would be the principal’s responsibility to contact the police if any alarming incident is recorded on camera. It has also been directed that the school management along with the local police conduct a thorough investigation of all the school staff. The school must hand over photos and information of all its staff to the local police.
First Publication: August 21, 2024, 11:46 PM IST
