No compromise on student safety, strict action against errant schools in Badlapur: Thane police

Badlapur: Adopting a zero-tolerance stance amid rising cases of sexual offences against minors, Thane police have issued a stern warning to school managements across the city, making it clear that any negligence in ensuring student safety will invite strict legal action.A comprehensive student safety review meeting was convened by police for principals and teachers of pre-primary, playgroup, nursery, junior KG, primary and secondary schools falling under the jurisdiction of Badlapur East and West police stations. The meeting was held at Pushpalata Mhatre College in Hendrepada, Badlapur West.
The meeting was attended by DCP Sachin Gore, MLA Dnyaneshwar Mhatre (Konkan Teachers' Constituency), assistant commissioner of police Shailesh Kale (Ambernath division), Badlapur municipal chairperson Ruchita Ghorpade, deputy chairperson Priyanka Damle, and the group education officer, among others. Around 100 to 125 principals and teachers were present.Addressing the gathering, DCP Sachin Gore said, "The state government has already issued detailed circulars regarding child safety. Schools are hereby directed to implement these instructions in letter and spirit. Any laxity will not be tolerated."He further stated, "Student safety is non-negotiable. If schools fail to comply with the prescribed norms, we will be compelled to initiate legal proceedings directly against the management."The meeting comes in the backdrop of a disturbing rise in cases of sexual offences involving schoolchildren in Badlapur over the past two years. On Wednesday, a 12-year-old schoolgirl was allegedly molested by a school bus driver, a case that even resonated in the state legislative session. Earlier in 2024, a reputed school in the city had come under scrutiny after two minor children were allegedly assaulted by a sweeper who was later killed in police encounter.During the meeting, police officials elaborated on government-mandated safety protocols and issued clear directives to educational institutions. Special emphasis was laid on regulating school and private transport services.DCP Gore said, "All school van drivers must undergo proper character verification. Schools must ensure that background checks are completed before appointing any driver or transport staff."He added, "It is mandatory to appoint women security guards and female attendants in schools. In addition, CCTV cameras must be installed within school premises as well as inside school vans to ensure continuous monitoring."Police also guided schools on compliance related to transport regulations, including strict adherence to safety norms for school-run and privately operated vehicles ferrying students.Officials reiterated that ensuring a safe and secure environment for children—especially those studying from playgroup to secondary level—is a shared responsibility of the administration, school authorities and parents.With law enforcement now closely monitoring compliance, schools in Badlapur have been put on notice: follow the rules without exception or face stringent consequences.