There is outrage in the entire state of Maharashtra over the Badalpur rape incident in Thane. Meanwhile, another horrific rape incident has come to light from the Kolhapur district of the state. The dead body of a minor girl who was missing since Wednesday afternoon has been recovered from Kolhapur. In view of these crimes, the Maharashtra government has taken important steps for the safety of women.
Cabinet Minister and Guardian Minister of Mumbai Suburban District Mangal Prabhat Lodha has issued instructions for the safety of women and children. According to the instructions, CCTVs will be installed in all schools and toilets. Apart from this, girls will also be given self-defense training.
CCTV is now mandatory in schools
Minister Lodha directed that CCTV cameras be installed in the entire school premises except the toilets and monitored by beat marshals or patrolling police teams. He also made it mandatory that a female staff be appointed to guard outside the girls’ toilets and stressed that female cleaning staff should clean the toilets used by younger girls and girls studying in class ten. Apart from this, it was also directed that a female staff should be present in student transport vehicles like buses, taxis and vans, and the cleaning staff in schools should also be under police surveillance.
Self defense training for school girls
Minister Lodha has advised schools to collaborate with local NGOs to provide self-defense training to girls. In case of emergency, students should be encouraged to report incidents on the 1098 helpline. Schools should put up posters about this on the campus. Apart from this, women should also be informed about the helpline number. Girls in school should put up posters and call on helpline number 181.
Minister Prabhat Lodha said in his letter, “The increasing crimes against women and children are a matter of concern for the government, administration and our society. The incident in Badlapur has given public suggestions for preventive measures. Such incidents are happening due to negligence towards women’s safety. Keeping this in mind, strict instructions should be given to all educational institutions from kindergarten to postgraduate level in Mumbai suburban area. Schools, colleges and various institutions should also thoroughly verify the staff appointed by them to ensure that no untoward incident takes place, and everyone should be cautious.”