Maharashtra Education Minister Deepak Kesarkar Proposes Panic Buttons for Women’s Safety Amid Badlapur Case
Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], August 26: Amid the outrage over the alleged Badlapur sexual assault case, Maharashtra Education Minister Deepak Kesarkar suggested installing panic buttons in schools and hostels to ensure women’s safety. He compared this to the existing use of CCTVs in schools.
Kesarkar stated, “Just like CCTVs in schools, panic buttons can also be installed… A panic button can also be installed in the hostels… It is an advanced technology.” He made these remarks during a press conference in Mumbai.
He also mentioned that an investigation team, led by the deputy director of the Mumbai region, probed the Badlapur incident. Various departments were involved in the investigation, and the police will decide under which sections the cases will be filed. Those found negligent have been identified as co-accused and will face consequences.
Criticizing the opposition, Kesarkar said, “The people who are criticizing now have not done anything during their regime. We are initiating many actions.”
A report prepared by the Women and Child Welfare Department and the Education Ministry on the Badlapur sexual abuse case was handed over to Kesarkar. The special investigation team (SIT) registered an FIR against the school authorities for not complying with Section 19 of the POCSO Act, which mandates reporting any sexual assault against minors to the police.
The alleged sexual assault of two fourth-grade girls at a school in Badlapur has sparked outrage. On August 17, police arrested a school attendant for allegedly abusing the girls. The SIT also recorded the statements of both minor victims and their parents.
Doubts Revealed
Maharashtra -: Maharashtra is a state in western India. It is known for its capital, Mumbai, which is the financial center of India.
Education Minister -: An Education Minister is a government official responsible for the education system in a state or country. They make decisions about schools, colleges, and other educational institutions.
Deepak Kesarkar -: Deepak Kesarkar is a politician in Maharashtra, India. He is currently serving as the Education Minister of the state.
Panic Buttons -: Panic buttons are emergency buttons that people can press to quickly call for help. They are often used to improve safety in places like schools and hostels.
Badlapur -: Badlapur is a town in Maharashtra, India. It is known for its residential areas and is part of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region.
CCTVs -: CCTVs are Closed-Circuit Televisions. They are cameras used for surveillance to monitor and record activities in an area for security purposes.
Sexual Assault -: Sexual assault is a serious crime where someone is forced to engage in sexual activities against their will. It is illegal and punishable by law.
Fourth-grade girls -: Fourth-grade girls are students who are in the fourth grade of school. They are usually around 9-10 years old.
Special Investigation Team (SIT) -: A Special Investigation Team (SIT) is a group of police officers who are assigned to investigate serious crimes. They work together to find out what happened and who is responsible.
FIR -: FIR stands for First Information Report. It is a document that the police create when someone reports a crime. It starts the legal process of investigating the crime.
POCSO Act -: The POCSO Act stands for Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act. It is a law in India designed to protect children from sexual abuse and exploitation.
Opposition -: The opposition refers to political parties or groups that are not currently in power. They often criticize the actions of the ruling government and suggest alternatives.
Regime -: A regime is a government, especially one that is currently in power. It refers to the period during which a particular government is in control.
