Maharashtra State Schools To Install Panic Buttons For Student Safety
In a significant move to enhance student safety, the Maharashtra state government has decided to install panic buttons in schools. This decision comes in the wake of the recent Badlapur incident, which highlighted the need for improved security measures in educational institutions.
State Education Minister Deepak Kesarkar announced that a joint committee, comprising representatives from the education and women and child development ministries, has been formed to recommend measures for student safety. The committee, which includes the chairperson of the Commission for Women, the chairperson of the Child Rights Commission, and the IG of the police department, will submit a detailed report on Tuesday.
One of the key decisions taken by the committee is the installation of panic buttons in schools, which will enable students to alert authorities in case of an emergency. The buttons, developed by a Hyderabad-based company, can be used offline and will send alerts to the nearest police station, allowing for swift action.
Minister Kesarkar expressed confidence that this measure will help control such incidents in the future. The state government is expected to announce its final decision on the matter after discussing the committee’s report on Wednesday.
This move is a significant step towards creating a safer environment for students in Maharashtra, and other states may follow suit in the future.