Maharashtra Orders Safety Audit for All Schools

Maharashtra Orders Immediate Safety Audit for All Schools

The Maharashtra Education Department has directed all government, local body, aided and unaided schools across the state to conduct an immediate Safety Audit, making it mandatory for every institution to assess campus security and submit an action report to the authorities.

The directive has been issued under the provisions of the School Safety and Security Guidelines, requiring every school to evaluate its safety standards, identify deficiencies and prepare a detailed action plan to address them.

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The circular was issued by Director of Primary Education Sharad Gosavi and Director of Secondary Education Dr. Mahesh Palkar. The decision follows directions from the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), the Maharashtra Government and the Office of the Commissioner of Education.

Education officials, municipal corporations, municipal councils, district administrations and Zilla Parishads have been instructed to coordinate and ensure that the safety audit is completed within the stipulated timeframe.

As part of the audit, schools must identify safety gaps, implement corrective measures and keep their emergency response plans updated to safeguard students. Institutions have also been advised to seek assistance from local authorities, the Fire Department, the Public Works Department (PWD) and the Police whenever required.

The comprehensive safety assessment will include fire safety systems, emergency preparedness, structural stability of school buildings, electrical installations, campus hazards, entry and exit arrangements, CCTV surveillance, disaster management preparedness and other critical safety measures.

The Education Department has also directed schools to prepare school-wise, taluka-wise and management-wise reports, which will be submitted to the Directorate of Education through the respective Deputy Directors of Education.

Deputy Directors have been instructed to personally monitor the implementation process, submit district-wise reports and ensure that any serious deficiencies identified during the audit are rectified immediately. A separate compliance report confirming the corrective action will also be mandatory.

The move aims to strengthen student safety across Maharashtra by ensuring that every school complies with essential security standards and remains prepared to respond effectively to emergencies.