The Government of Maharashtra on September 2nd 2024 issued the instructions to create a safe and nurturing environment for the safety and security of students enrolled in industrial training institutes across the state. These measures are aimed at ensuring a safe learning environment for all trainees, with specific focus on women trainees and the overall infrastructure of training institutions.
1. Provision of Safety Handbooks
All industrial training institutes are required to provide safety handbooks to their trainees. These handbooks will contain detailed information on institutional conduct, safety regulations, and guidelines on how to deal with emergencies. This initiative aims to educate trainees about their rights and responsibilities, ensuring they are well-informed about safety procedures within the institution.
2. Appointment of Local Guardians
To ensure the safety of female trainees, every institute is required to appoint a female guardian for every 20 female students. This local guardian will be responsible for the safety and well-being of the female trainees, providing a crucial point of contact for any issues that may arise. This measure is intended to enhance the security framework and ensure that female trainees feel safe and supported.
3. Management of Absences
In case a female trainee is absent or needs to leave the campus for any reason, it is mandatory to obtain written approval from the local guardian or the principal. This helps in tracking the whereabouts of the trainees and ensures that any absence is accounted for. Parents will also be notified immediately in case of any unauthorized absences.
4. Infrastructure and Facilities in Hostels
Hostels associated with industrial training institutes must ensure proper management and hygiene. Responsibilities for maintaining cleanliness and providing adequate food must be handled by qualified staff. Additionally, the hostels should be equipped with necessary amenities and security measures to safeguard the residents.
5. Security Personnel
Institutes are mandated to employ a sufficient number of security guards to ensure the safety of the premises. The security personnel should be well-trained and vigilant, overseeing all security aspects of the hostel and training areas.
6. Background Verification of Staff
All security guards, staff, and employees must undergo background verification through local police stations before being appointed. This is to ensure that only trustworthy individuals are involved in the management and safety of the trainees.
7. Transportation Safety
Any private transportation used for transporting trainees must include a staff member to ensure safety. This measure is crucial for safeguarding students during their travel to and from the institute.
8. Healthcare Facilities
Each campus must have a primary healthcare facility that operates 24/7. This facility should be equipped with first-aid services and should coordinate with local public health institutions to provide immediate medical care in emergencies.
9. Cleanliness and Sanitation
Maintaining hygiene in hostels is a priority. The responsibility for cleanliness must lie with the hostel staff, ensuring that all sanitation facilities are adequately maintained. Essential facilities like running water, soap, covered dustbins, and sanitary disposal bins must be consistently provided.
10. Campus Lighting and Safety
The campus should be well-lit, with adequate floodlights around playgrounds and other essential areas. This includes ensuring that all pathways, libraries, and hostel areas are well-illuminated to avoid any dark spots.
11. Boundary Walls and Entry Checks
For campuses located in rural or semi-urban areas, boundary walls and entry checkpoints must be in place to prevent unauthorized access. This measure is critical in ensuring that the campus remains secure from external threats.
12. Installation of CCTV Cameras
CCTV cameras must be installed at key locations such as the main entrance, office areas, and outside the hostels. Regular maintenance and monitoring of these cameras are required to ensure they are functioning properly and capturing necessary footage for security purposes.
13. Complaint Boxes
Secure complaint boxes must be installed at the entrance of the institution and other strategic locations. These boxes will allow trainees to submit complaints anonymously, which will be reviewed regularly by the institution’s administration and local authorities.
14. Sexual Harassment Committees
Institutions are required to set up sexual harassment committees to handle complaints related to harassment. These committees will ensure a thorough investigation and appropriate action against any offenders.
15. Mental Health Support
Institutions must provide support for mental health issues, including training sessions to address and prevent harassment, and promoting a supportive environment. This involves organizing workshops and activities to enhance awareness about mental health and respectful behavior.
16. Emergency Contact Information
Emergency contact information for police assistance, state/national help lines, and other relevant support services must be prominently displayed within the institution. This ensures that help is readily available when needed.
17. Compliance and Implementation
All training institutes must implement these guidelines and seek assistance from local authorities to ensure compliance. Regular audits and inspections will be conducted to monitor adherence to these safety measures.
18. Gender Sensitization Programs
Programs aimed at educating students, staff, and other personnel about gender sensitivity and equality will be organized. This will help in creating a respectful and safe environment for everyone.
19. Encouraging Reporting
Institutions will encourage students to report any issues or concerns they face. Regular sessions will be held to discuss and address these concerns, promoting an open and transparent environment.
20. Self-Defense Training
Mandatory self-defense training sessions will be conducted for students, focusing on techniques for personal safety and handling emergency situations.
21. Formation of Safety Committees
Safety committees, comprising representatives from the institution, parents, and local authorities, will be formed to oversee the implementation of safety measures and review their effectiveness regularly.
22. Compliance with Directives
Institutions must adhere to these directives and ensure that all safety and security measures are effectively implemented. Non-compliance will lead to strict actions from the government.
23. Strict Enforcement
The government has emphasized that any deviation from these guidelines will be met with stringent action. Institutions must ensure that they fully comply with these directives.
24. Monitoring and Reporting
A system for continuous monitoring and reporting on the implementation of these guidelines will be established. This will help in maintaining high standards of safety and security in industrial training institutes.
By following these comprehensive directives, Maharashtra aims to create a secure and supportive environment for all trainees in industrial training institutes. These measures reflect the state’s commitment to safeguarding students and ensuring their well-being throughout their educational journey.
