Parents will soon be able to verify whether their children’s schools have implemented the child safety measures mandated by the Maharashtra government. The state informed the Bombay High Court on Friday that over 88,000 of the total 1,00,816 schools have already uploaded their compliance details on a web portal launched by the education department.
Parents will soon be able to verify whether their children’s schools have implemented the child safety measures mandated by the Maharashtra government. The state informed the Bombay High Court on Friday that over 88,000 of the total 1,00,816 schools have already uploaded their compliance details on a web portal launched by the education department.
Court Hearing On Suo Motu PIL
The information was placed before a division bench of Justices Revati Mohite-Dere and Sandesh Patil during the hearing of a suo motu PIL concerning child safety in schools. The court was told that the remaining schools are expected to upload their details by October 15.
Monthly Updates On Portal
Public prosecutor Prajakta Shinde submitted that the portal became operational on October 5 and can be accessed by anyone by entering the school’s name. “Schools have been directed to update all information by the 15th of every month,” she added.
Details Sought From Schools
The education department had circulated a 60-point questionnaire to government, aided and private schools, seeking details such as whether the May 13 government resolution (GR) was shared with parents via WhatsApp, email or notices; whether Sakhi-Savitribai committees and student safety committees have been formed; and if police verification of school and bus staff has been completed.
HC Questions State’s Data
The bench, however, questioned the state’s data. “It (information provided by schools) says a workshop was scheduled. When was it done? Otherwise it is meaningless. Parents are unaware — specific date-wise details have to be given,” the court remarked.
The judges also directed that schools must designate a nodal officer to provide information to parents and that surprise inspections be conducted to verify compliance.
Bilingual Access For Parents
Amicus curiae (friend of the court) Advocate Rebecca Gonsalves suggested that the portal should be made bilingual. “The portal is only in English. It should be in Marathi as well since many parents may not know English,” she said. The court directed the government to ensure that information is made available in both languages.
Safety GR For Residential Schools
Shinde further informed the bench that the Women and Child Development Department has issued a similar GR on July 3, 2025, applicable to residential schools. Also, the GR was adopted for Anganwadis and Ashramshalas in the state.
