'Why Wait When Kids Are At Risk?': Installation Of School CCTV Delay Draws Flak During Maharashtra Monsoon Session
The Maharashtra government faced tough questions in the state Assembly during the Monsoon Session, as concerns rose over a lag in installing CCTV cameras across government-run schools, a move seen as critical to ensuring the safety of lakhs of students.
Over 35 MLAs, including senior leaders Vijay Wadettiwar, Nana Patole, Vikas Thakare, and Aslam Shaikh, jointly demanded clarity from the School Education Minister.
Their questions stemmed from a Bombay High Court directive earlier this year, prompting the state to install CCTV cameras in schools before the new academic year to avoid incidents of sexual abuse and enhance student security.
With over 1.05 lakh government schools in Maharashtra, the opposition has raised alarms that only around 50,000 schools are equipped with CCTV systems so far, which is just under half. “What’s the hold-up when children’s safety is at stake?” one MLA asked, citing the urgent need for monitoring infrastructure.
Particularly spotlighted was the Yavatmal district, where funds were reportedly sanctioned for CCTV installation in 395 schools under the District Planning Committee (DPC), but the work remains incomplete. The MLAs alleged a concerning lack of urgency despite a ₹9 crore allocation.
School Education Minister Dadaji Bhuse responded by confirming that the High Court had indeed issued directions, but denied that a two-month deadline was part of the order. He described the current figures as “partially true,” stating that efforts are underway to scale up coverage.
For Yavatmal, Bhuse said ₹59.75 lakh was sanctioned in 2023–24 for 17 model schools, while a proposal for ₹9.85 crore for 395 schools in 2024–25 is still awaiting funds. Orders have now been issued for installations in 80 schools, following a government resolution dated May 13 and a directive on May 21.
While the government claims progress, opposition leaders remain unconvinced. “Student safety cannot be delayed. Every day without surveillance is a risk,” said one member, asking for swift action to uphold the court’s spirit, if not its timeline.