Maharashtra government to Enhance school Safety with Panic Buttons Following badlapur Incident

The recent shocking incident in badlapur, where two young students were allegedly sexually assaulted on school grounds, has ignited widespread outrage throughout Maharashtra. In response to growing public concern and calls for stricter safety measures, the state’s education Department has mandated the installation of panic buttons in all educational institutions to improve student safety.

Maharashtra education minister deepak Kesarkar announced this significant decision during a press briefing on Tuesday. He also revealed that a special investigation team (SIT) has been formed to expedite the inquiry into the badlapur incident. The SIT will submit a detailed report, which will be reviewed in a high-level meeting scheduled for Wednesday.

“A joint committee has been established to thoroughly examine the issue. This committee includes the Chairpersons of the Women’s Commission and the Child Rights Commission, along with senior police officials. Their findings will be instrumental in deciding our next actions,” Kesarkar stated. He warned that those involved in covering up the incident would face severe repercussions, potentially including criminal charges.

The badlapur incident has highlighted the urgent need for improved safety protocols in schools, especially those managed by the Tribal Development Department, which has limited control over school administrations. Kesarkar emphasized, “It is crucial for school administration to be centralized under one department to ensure accountability. Currently, schools are managed by both the Zilla Parishad and the education Department, which complicates decision-making and enforcement.”

The new mandate for panic buttons is part of a broader security enhancement strategy. Kesarkar explained the significance of the measure, saying, “When I was a minister of State, I proposed the installation of panic buttons in schools and for women. This tool is simple yet effective. It alerts the nearest police station and activates a tracking system when pressed, allowing for quick location of individuals in distress. This offline system was developed by a Hyderabad-based company.”

Kesarkar believes that these panic buttons, which will be placed in key locations throughout schools, will significantly decrease the likelihood of such incidents in the future. Designed to be easily accessible to students and staff, these buttons are a proactive step towards enhancing school safety.

The badlapur case has shocked the community, prompting demands for immediate justice and comprehensive reforms. The accused, a 24-year-old school janitor named Akshay Shinde, has been arrested and is currently in judicial custody. Shinde, who worked on a contractual basis at the school, was responsible for cleaning and assisting young students, and was reportedly known as “Kathiwala Dada” among the children.

The decision to install panic buttons is a direct response to the intense public outcry following this incident. It represents a significant move towards prioritizing child safety in Maharashtra’s schools. However, there are calls for additional reforms, including more rigorous background checks for school staff and harsher penalties for those guilty of such crimes.

As the investigation into the badlapur case progresses, the government’s prompt action in implementing panic buttons is seen as a crucial step in restoring public trust and ensuring that schools remain safe environments for children.