Maharashtra Boosts School Security: CCTV Installed In 89,000+ Institutions, More On the Way

Maharashtra is strengthening school safety measures with large-scale CCTV installation and upgraded security infrastructure across educational institutions, following a High Court directive. Over 89,000 schools in the state now have CCTV cameras, and further installations are in progress. While the government has allocated funds-including Rs 18 crore for tribal schools-the opposition has raised concerns over the pace of implementation and gaps in funding.

Maharashtra School Education Minister Dadaji Bhuse informed the state Assembly on Thursday that the government is actively installing CCTV systems and other essential safety facilities to enhance student security. Responding in writing to a question by NCP legislator Sulabha Khodke, the minister said a Government Resolution (GR) issued on May 13, in line with High Court directions, mandates CCTV installation in all schools across mediums and management categories. The GR also requires adherence to comprehensive safety guidelines.

The government noted that the absence of School Safety Committees, Complaint Boxes, and adequate first-aid provisions in many institutions has contributed to insufficient safety standards.

According to the minister, 60,049 government-run schools under local self-governing bodies and 29,049 private schools have already installed CCTV cameras. Additionally, 45,677 teaching and non-teaching staff members have registered in the Teachers-Staff Database. A total of 4,888 schools have registered on the School-Portal.

The state has also constituted 1,03,665 School Safety Committees and 1,03,703 Parent-Teacher Associations. Furthermore, 1,03,703 schools have confirmed compliance and awareness of POCSO Act guidelines and child protection norms.

For tribal institutions, the government has allotted Rs 18 crore to install CCTV systems in 16 Tribal Development Department (TDD) ashram schools, with installation costs estimated between Rs 1 lakh and Rs 2 lakh per school. In Amravati district, CCTV installation in 27 government schools has been completed at a cost of Rs 2 crore through the 'Super Computer' company.

Palghar district has submitted a proposal seeking Rs 44 lakh from the Zilla Parishad to the District Collector for CCTV installation. Administrative approval for Rs 14 crore-representing 80 percent of the total estimated cost-was granted during the 2018-19 financial year, and the tender process is currently ongoing. Meanwhile, 63 schools in Amravati district are also moving ahead with CCTV installation.

Minister Bhuse said that all measures outlined in the May 13 Government Resolution are being implemented across schools, with continuous monitoring and action underway. However, the opposition has urged the government to accelerate the installation process, pointing to delays and insufficient dedicated funding in several schools across the state.