Mumbai faces school safety crisis amid inspector shortage

In response to the Badlapur school incident, Mumbai is grappling with significant concerns regarding school safety. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is currently facing a critical shortage of education inspectors, with around 100 out of 132 positions unfilled. These inspectors play a vital role in ensuring safety and educational quality across various school types, including civic-run, aided, and private institutions. The existing guidelines stipulate that one inspector should oversee every 250 schools, which has resulted in increased responsibilities for school principals who are now tasked with additional inspection duties. To address the alarming situation, the state government has implemented several measures aimed at enhancing safety in schools. Initiatives include the formation of a state-level safety review committee, the installation of CCTV systems, verification of character certificates for non-teaching staff, and the appointment of female staff for younger children. Despite a project initiated in 2019 to install CCTV cameras, progress has been hindered by the COVID-19 pandemic and funding issues. Recently, the BMC has opted for more affordable camera options to expedite the installation process. As part of the response to the Badlapur incident, the installation of CCTVs across 100 schools has been prioritized, with an estimated cost of Rs. 24.30 crore for the installation of approximately 6,000 cameras. Currently, over 3,55,000 students are enrolled in 1,147 BMC schools, highlighting the urgent need for effective safety measures. Additionally, the state education minister has taken action by suspending two Education Officers in light of the ongoing safety concerns. The administration has assured that the installation of CCTVs will proceed without delay, reflecting a commitment to improving school safety in the wake of recent events.