Pimpri: The Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) has been actively advancing student safety across its primary and secondary schools through a series of sustained initiatives. These measures, which began earlier this year, are reinforcing a secure environment for all students.

Since March, PCMC has conducted regular School Safety Audits in line with guidelines from the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) and the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT). These audits cover crucial safety aspects such as building security, fire safety, disaster preparedness, and more. The insights gained from these audits have led to targeted improvements in school safety protocols.

In collaboration with Police department, PCMC organizes safety awareness sessions for students, parents, and teachers through the ‘Police Kaka’ initiative and the ‘Damini’ Squad. These sessions focus on critical issues such as road safety, accident prevention, and the overall safety of students in and around school premises.

Starting in April, PCMC partnered with Muskaan Foundation to address the critical issue of child sexual abuse. Through regular awareness sessions, students, parents, and teachers have been educated on good touch and bad touch, children's rights, and the role of parents in protecting children from abuse. These sessions are designed to educate the entire school community on how to protect children from abuse and ensure their safety.

The education department has also appointed 23 counselors who are now available across PCMC schools to support students' mental and emotional well-being. These counselors provide guidance on issues ranging from academic stress to personal safety, ensuring that students have access to the help they need throughout the year.

PCMC has also mandated the formation of School Management Committees (SMCs) in each school, which play a pivotal role in implementing and monitoring safety measures. These committees are tasked with ensuring child protection, school security, and road safety by regularly reviewing and updating safety protocols.

PCMC Commissioner Shekhar Singh on safety initiatives said, "The safety of our students is our top priority. We are committed to creating a safe and nurturing environment in all our schools. The appointment of counselors and the implementation of these safety measures are not just on temporary basis but are ongoing efforts that will ensure every child feels secure in our schools throughout the year."

PCMC Additional commissioner, Pradip Jambhale-Patil, said, “Parent engagement is also a crucial part of this initiative. Schools are organizing regular parent meetings to increase awareness of student safety and encourage parental involvement in maintaining a secure environment both at home and in the community.”

Student safety measures across schools

- Collaboration with Police: Safety awareness sessions with local police, Police Kaka, and Damini Squad.

- Child Abuse Awareness: Partnering with Muskaan Foundation to educate on safe and unsafe touch.

- All teachers in PCMC-run schools were also trained on good touch-bad touch and different facets of child abuse at the beginning of this academic year in June. This training was facilitated in partnership with an organisation called 'Arpan' which works with MSCERT.

- Parent Involvement: Regular parent meetings to enhance safety awareness.

- 23 Counselors Appointed: To support students' mental and emotional well-being.

- School Safety Audits: Comprehensive audits following NCPCR and NCERT guidelines.

- School Management Committees: Formed to oversee child protection, school security, and road safety.