Only 50% of Maharashtra schools have installed CCTVs

Schools in Pune are facing safety issues as only 50% of them have installed CCTV cameras, despite a government requirement. Last year, the state government ordered all schools to set up cameras in public areas to protect students after some incidents of abuse. However, out of over 108,000 schools, only about 50,000 have complied with this rule. During a recent assembly session, Minister of School Education Dada Bhuse mentioned that many schools are still in the process of installation. He highlighted that schools must cover the costs themselves, relying on corporate social responsibility (CSR) and community support. This lack of funding has become a significant issue, especially for private unaided schools that often cannot afford the installation. Concerns about student safety increased after two young girls were abused in Badlapur, prompting stronger calls for the installation of cameras. The state government has threatened to revoke recognition for schools that do not comply with the new regulations. Legislative council member Kiran Sarnaik criticized the government for not taking student safety seriously and asked for financial support for private schools. Currently, there is no dedicated government funding for installing CCTV cameras. Local district planning committees are expected to allocate funds for this initiative, yet many government schools remain without coverage. Education officials are urging all districts to prioritize installing cameras for the safety of their students.