The Maharashtra government has introduced a series of stringent measures to improve security both on school campuses and during transportation. These reforms come in the wake of the Badlapur school incident and mounting public concern, culminating in directives issued by the Bombay High Court earlier this year.
School Transport Overhaul
On June 6, the state government issued a Government Resolution (GR) mandating extensive checks and monitoring mechanisms for school transportation:
- Background Checks: Mandatory police verification and driving history checks are now required for all school bus staff, including drivers, cleaners, and attendants.
- Substance Screening: Alcohol and drug screenings are to be conducted twice daily for drivers and weekly for other staff.
- Surveillance: Installation of GPS tracking systems and CCTV cameras on all school buses is now compulsory.
- Female Attendants: All school buses must have a female attendant onboard.
- Restricted Access: Unauthorized individuals are strictly barred from entering school buses.
- Parental Oversight: Parents using private transport (rickshaws or vans) are required to verify drivers’ identities and submit these details to the school.
The directive also calls for alert systems to track students who miss their buses and requires schools to maintain updated driver health records and vehicle inspections. School principals will be held directly accountable for compliance.
On-Campus Safety Reinforced
Between May 13 and 15, the Education Department rolled out further safety measures for in-school environments:
- Roll-Call System: Schools are now required to conduct student attendance checks three times a day.
- CCTV Surveillance: All key areas—including classrooms, corridors, and toilets—must be equipped with CCTV cameras. Video footage is to be retained for at least one month.
- Complaint Mechanism: Suggestion and complaint boxes are to be opened twice a week by a designated committee comprising school staff and parents.
- Strict POCSO Compliance: Any sexual offense reported by students must be immediately escalated to the police or juvenile justice units, with legal penalties for failure to report.
- Sakhi-Savitri and Safety Committees: Every school must form safety and mental health committees to address bullying, self-defense training, mental wellness, and vulnerable student support.
- Cybersecurity and Counseling: Cyber safety training and mental health counseling services will now be integral to school programs.
- Infrastructure Improvements: Schools are mandated to install separate toilets with sanitary napkin vending machines and incinerators for girl students. Additionally, the sale of tobacco products within 1 km of school campuses is banned.
Implementation and Accountability
District Education Officers have been directed to submit compliance data, particularly regarding CCTV installation, by June 4. Reports indicate that nearly 50% of schools had not installed CCTV cameras as of March 2025. Funding for these upgrades is to be sourced through district planning boards, CSR partnerships, or government grants. Non-compliance may lead to withdrawal of school recognition or financial support.
Authorities have clarified roles and responsibilities under the new rules, placing school principals at the center of accountability. The state government has emphasized that safety cannot be compromised and that these changes are essential to restoring public trust in the school system.
Public Response
The reforms have been largely welcomed by parents and child rights activists, although concerns remain regarding implementation in rural and underfunded schools. “We welcome the government’s new resolution mandating driver background checks, GPS-tracking, and safety training for all transport staff. These measures align with our commitment to keeping children safe during their journey to and from school. It provides an additional layer of reassurance for parents. The mandatory installation of GPS and CCTV in school buses enhances real-time monitoring and builds greater trust between parents and schools. Maharashtra’s initiative not only prioritises the physical security of students but also instills confidence among parents, teachers, and communities, making it a commendable step forward in safeguarding the future generation,” said Dr. Maithili Tambe, CEO, The Academy School (TAS), Pune.
With these reforms, Maharashtra has signaled it is prioritizing the safety and well-being of school children.
