Pune: ‘Sakhi Savitri’ Committees Formed in Schools to Ensure Safety of Students

Pune, 11th December 2023: Concerned about the potential increase in the number of out-of-school children due to the pandemic and rising rates of child marriages in the Maharashtra state, the School Education Department has made a crucial decision to safeguard school boys and girls.

To create a safe, healthy, and equitable environment, the department has directed the formation of ‘Sakhi Savitri’ committees in all secondary and higher secondary schools across the state.

To ensure the protection of the interests and rights of all children, as mandated by the Commissions for Protection of Child Rights Act, 2005, the focus is particularly on prioritizing the education, health, and safety of girls. The decision to establish committees at various levels coincides with the 125th Memorial Day of Dnyanjyoti Savitribai Phule, aiming to provide a secure and child-friendly environment for both boys and girls within their homes, schools, and communities.

The Maharashtra State Government has instructed all schools to form ‘Sakhi Savitri’ committees, and Deputy Directors of Education have been directed to receive reports from these committees.