In response to the sexual assault of two minor girls at a well-known Badlapur school, and the subsequent public outrage, the Maharashtra School Education Department on September 27 issued a modified Government Resolution (GR) that significantly strengthens the safety guidelines for schools previously issued on August 21.

“These safety measures in the modified GR are aimed at strengthening the protection of all students, both girls and boys. This includes the mandatory installation of high-definition CCTV cameras, thorough staff background checks, grievance mechanisms, and the establishment of safety committees at multiple levels. Schools that attempt to cover up safety breaches or fail to comply with the guidelines will face strict disciplinary action,” said an official from the department.