Pune: PCMC and Police Officials Urge Pimpri Chinchwad Schools to Implement Strict Safety Protocols

Reported By Varad Bhatkhande

Pimpri Chinchwad, 29th August 2024: Following the alarming cases of sexual crimes against school students in Badlapur, as well as incidents in Pune and Pimpri Chinchwad, ensuring student safety has become a collective responsibility. All schools in the city are required to stay vigilant and effectively implement necessary safety measures. In response, the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) organized a student safety dialogue session with principals from PCMC and Private Primary and Secondary schools, along with representatives from school management committees. The session took place today at the G.D. Madgulkar Auditorium in Akurdi.

Prominent attendees included Padmashree Girish Prabhune, PCMC Commissioner Shekhar Singh, Pimpri Chinchwad Commissioner of Police Vinoy Kumar Choubey, Additional Commissioner of Police Vasant Pardeshi, Additional Municipal Commissioner Pradeep Jambhale Patil, and PCMC Head of the Education Department Vijay Kumar Thorat. Concerned officials, school authorities, teachers, and parents from PCMC schools were also present.

During the second half of the session, principals, teachers, and representatives of the school management committee raised their concerns, which were addressed by the officials.

PCMC Commissioner Shekhar Singh stated, “It is mandatory to establish a Visakha Committee in schools for the safety of students. CCTV cameras should be installed in critical areas, and schools must take responsibility in this regard. Schools should also organize communication sessions with parents on student safety. Non-teaching and sanitation staff, along with teachers, should receive training on student safety. Additionally, students should be educated about ‘good touch and bad touch.’ A complaint box should be available in schools for students to voice concerns. A core committee should be formed in every school in the city, and necessary safety measures must be implemented accordingly.”

Pimpri Chinchwad Police Commissioner Vinoy Kumar Choubey added, “It is crucial to install CCTV cameras in key areas of schools, establish a Sakhi Savitri Committee, and promptly inform the police administration of any suspicious activities related to children’s safety. Schools should verify the character certificates of all employees and train students on safety in coordination with the Damini team. Schools will benefit from the cooperation of the police administration. Additionally, women who feel unsafe while travelling or at any location can contact 112 for assistance.”