A Unified Call for Safer Schools in Maharashtra: What the May 2025 GR Means for All of Us

Compiled by #Team_VikramDeshmukh&Consultants

In a significant move toward creating safer learning spaces for children, the Government of Maharashtra, through its Resolution dated 13th May 2025 (Ref. सांकीर्ण-2025/प्र.क्र.119/एस.डी.4), has issued a consolidated set of comprehensive directives applicable to all schools in the state, regardless of board, medium, or management.

This resolution, born from the Bombay High Court's suo motu intervention following a tragic incident in Ambernath, is not merely a policy statement—it is a mandate for systemic change.

The Core Objective: Zero Compromise on Student Safety

From the installation of CCTV cameras and establishment of complaint boxes to mandatory background verification of all staff, the GR outlines detailed compliance norms. It unifies over a dozen earlier circulars into a single, actionable document.

Key Highlights:

POCSO Compliance: Schools must report incidents to authorities without delay, or face legal consequences.

CCTV & Surveillance: Mandatory in key areas of all private schools, with footage retention.

Transport Safety: GPS, CCTV, weekly drug screening for drivers, and female attendants are now non-negotiable.

Cyber Safety & Digital Awareness: Schools and parents must collaborate on cyber hygiene and grooming prevention.

Complaint Redressal: Bi-weekly opening of complaint boxes by committees involving student and parent reps.

Committee Formation: Establishment of the Student Safety Committee and Sakhi Savitribai Committee at all levels.

Gender Safety & Hygiene: Separate toilets, sanitary facilities, and presence of female staff near girls’ restrooms.

Staff Vetting: Police verification for all personnel, including outsourced and contractual staff, is now compulsory.

Inclusion & Equity: Emphasis on counselling, prevention of bullying, and sensitivity training across all levels.

What This Means for Schools

Compliance isn’t optional. Every school must document its adherence—from SOPs and training records to committee resolutions and complaint registers. Non-compliance could impact recognition, funding, and more importantly, trust.

Tools to Support Implementation

As part of our edu-legal advisory initiatives, we've created:

• Draft formats for school safety and transport policies
• SOPs and actionable checklists
• Declaration templates for submission to authorities

These tools are designed to help schools operationalize this mandate effectively and transparently.

Let’s Make This the Start of a Safer Educational Culture

Policies don’t change systems—people implementing them do. As educators, administrators, and citizens, we owe it to our students to ensure their safety isn't just documented, but felt every day they walk through school gates.

#Team_VikramDeshmukh&Consultants would be pleased to extend professional support to your institution by providing structured templates, comprehensive checklists, and guided walkthroughs to ensure your school’s compliance with all applicable regulatory requirements.

We look forward to assisting you in strengthening your institutional processes and achieving full compliance with confidence.