Maharashtra School Education Minister Deepak Kesarkar announced the suspension of two district education officers (DEOs) on Friday following the ongoing controversy surrounding the sexual assault case involving two minor girls at a prominent school in Badlapur.
The Education Department has suspended Thane DEO Balasaheb Rakshe for failing to promptly report the assault incident, which emerged on August 16. Minister Kesarkar criticized Rakshe for his delayed communication, which, he argued, hindered timely state intervention.
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In Mumbai, DEO Rajesh Kankal faces suspension due to his failure to implement a state directive mandating the installation of CCTV cameras in BrihanMumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) schools. The delay in fulfilling this directive, which has been pending for two years, has been attributed to a slow-moving tender process. Kesarkar has ordered an explanation from Kankal and indicated that his suspension could last up to six months.
Kesarkar’s decision follows a comprehensive review meeting focused on school safety measures. The minister expressed frustration with municipal authorities for the sluggish pace in installing surveillance systems and warned private schools to expedite their CCTV installation or face potential suspension of government subsidies.
Formation of a New Committee
To address these issues, Kesarkar announced the formation of a new committee chaired by Women and Child Development Commissioner Prashant Naranvare. This committee will explore further safety measures for students and incorporate feedback from NGOs specializing in education and student safety.
The minister also outlined plans to enhance safety education in schools. He directed that every school link to the School Education Commissionerate and recommended providing at least one interactive TV per school to enhance student training. He also stressed the need to educate students about “good touch” and “bad touch,” urging that schools incorporate this topic into their curriculums.
Women and Child Welfare Minister Aditi Tatkare supported these initiatives, recommending the use of animated films to teach younger students about appropriate and inappropriate touch as part of the educational curriculum.
The recent actions underscore a heightened commitment by Maharashtra’s education authorities to improve student safety and prevent future incidents of abuse.
