‘Sakhi Savitri Committee’ Formed in Pune District for Student Safety
Pune, 23rd September 2024: The Maharashtra State Government has directed the Education Department to establish the ‘Sakhi Savitri Committee’ in all schools to ensure the safety of boys and girls, while promoting a healthy and equitable environment. In accordance with this directive, the committee has been formed in approximately 4,861 primary and secondary schools across Pune district.
The committee is tasked with addressing any problems faced by students within schools and taking appropriate action. The Education Department confirmed that the committee has already been established and its work has commenced in the district.
The committee aims to safeguard the basic human rights of children, ensuring they have the right to physical and intellectual development, while being protected from influences that could hinder their growth.
The school management serves as the president of the ‘Sakhi Savitri Committee.’ Members include women teachers, counselors, female medical specialists, Anganwadi workers, police officers, female Gram Panchayat members, parents (mothers), and students (two female and two male students). The school principal acts as the Secretary of the committee.
The ‘Sakhi Savitri Committee’ is also responsible for helping students who have dropped out of school to re-enter the educational system. It will provide counseling to both students and their parents, offer information on government education schemes, and give career guidance. The committee will also organize self-defence training programs for girls, promote healthy habits among students, raise awareness about the risks of child marriages, and assist in the education of boys and girls from socially, geographically, and economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
Additionally, the committee is focused on implementing gender-neutral and inclusive activities to foster an equitable school environment, ensuring that students are protected from any form of abuse.
