Mumbai Apr 29 (UNI) The Maharashtra government has presented draft guidelines intended to enhance child safety in schools throughout the state to the Bombay High Court, a lawyer said here on Tuesday.

The government response came during a hearing of a petition related to the sexual assault of two underage girls at a Badlapur school last year.

Arguing before a division bench comprising justices Revati Mohite-Dere and Dr Neela Gokhale on Monday, public prosecutor Prajakta Shinde presented the draft resolution. Shinde informed the court that although the guidelines include general safety protocols for schools throughout Maharashtra, distinct policies for Anganwadis and Ashram schools are still in development and will necessitate separate approval.

The committee’s extensive suggestions, including thorough staff background investigation, improved transport safety protocols, extensive campus monitoring, and teacher development initiatives, serve as the foundation of the proposed policy.

Earlier the Bombay HC had ordered the state government to form an 18-member expert committee to recommend specific safety measures.

Meanwhile, the court also designated advocate Rebecca Gonsalves as amicus curiae (a neutral advisor to a court) to examine the draft and verify that the committee’s recommendations have been entirely included.

UNI-AAA PRS