State to form panel for curbing children abuse in government schools and colleges

Admitting the need to find ways to control abuse of children in government schools the minister for School Education Vinod Tawde on Thursday said a committee comprising a psychologist, women members of the state legislature and principals of schools and junior colleges shall be set up to work out a plan.

Tawade's statement came in response to a question raised by Congress leader Subhash Zambad on government's plans to install Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras in schools and junior colleges in rural Maharashtra.

The idea of installing CCTV cameras was recommended to the department by the Bombay High Court a few months ago.

"The installation of CCTV cameras in schools and junior college premises is not the only solution. It is important to impart Teenagers Health Education and give them right information. For this a committee comprising of psychologist, women members of the state legislature and principals of schools and junior colleges shall be set up," Tawade told the council.

Tawade also said that a committee was set up by former justice Dharmadhikari to prevent atrocities against women and the same had recommended installation of CCTV cameras in the premises of schools and junior colleges but did not make it mandatory.

"The CCTV camera feeds are useful as evidence but not the only solution and is a costly affair," he said. As per an estimate the same would require Rs 186 crore of an estimated budget.