Pune :– In light of recent incidents concerning the safety of students across Maharashtra, a new government directive has been issued to enhance security measures in all government and private schools. According to an official letter from Dr. Prataprao Mohite-Patil, Member of the Ministry of Labour and Employment, and further government resolutions, the Education Directorate has been urged to assign Home Guards at the start and end of school hours to ensure the safety of students.
This move comes in response to growing concerns about student safety in schools across the state. Several recent incidents, including one in Badlapur, have prompted the authorities to take swift and decisive action. The police have often relied on Maharashtra’s Home Guard services in emergency situations, and extending their role to schools is seen as a necessary step in preventing further mishaps.
A government letter dated August 23, 2024, and a follow-up directive issued on September 19, 2024, emphasized the urgent need to implement safety measures. However, until now, there has been no concrete action taken to deploy Home Guards in schools. The recent push from both the School Education and Sports Department and Dr. Mohite-Patil underscores the importance of quick action to ensure that such incidents are not repeated.
The Directorate of Education has been requested to include this initiative in the agenda of the safety committee that was formed in early October. They have also been asked to take immediate steps to facilitate the appointment of Home Guards in all local self-government and privately-run schools under the Zilla Parishad, starting with primary institutions.
Officials have expressed hope that the deployment of Home Guards will help alleviate security concerns and create a safer environment for school children across Maharashtra.
