Expressing concern over increasing cases of sexual harassment in educational institutions across Maharashtra, State Education Minister Vinod Tawde today said his department was contemplating creating a separate website to address the issue and encourage people to come forward and report such incidents.
Replying to a debate during the Question Hour on a sexual harassment case in a Zilla Parishad school in Ahmednagar district, Tawde said many people are not aware about the helpline number 103.
"Parents, teachers and citizens can use the proposed new website to inform the government about any cases of sexual harassment in educational institutions," Tawde told the State Legislative Assembly here.
He said the complainant need not worry about facing backlash.
"Unless the complaint is verified and proved, the name of the educational institution and the accused is not made public. Out of 100 cases, two complaints may be false...That does not mean 98 complainants should not come forward to file cases," he said.
The minister said (Bombay) High Court has directed installation of CCTVs in schools and it will be implemented soon.
"But CCTV is not the only option. We need to sensitise teachers to keep a check on behavioural changes of girl students and report to concerned authorities of educational institutions," he added.
Bharti Lavhekar (BJP) demanded that the 'Bal Sudhar Committee' which probes such cases be re-structured. While Devyani Farande (BJP) said CCTVs be made mandatory in government and private schools.
(REOPENS BES 5)
In another question, Minister of Environment, Ramdas Kadam said local bodies have been asked to earmark 25 percent of its funds for reducing pollution of rivers in its area. As per central polution control board, 49 rivers in the state are polluted.
Earlier, Minister of State for Environment, Pravin Pote said municipal corporations are responsible for 86 percent pollution of rivers while other local bodies are responsible for 14 percent of river pollution.
Meanwhile, Food and Civil supplies minister Girish Bapat while replying to supplementaries during a discussion on another question regarding bogus ration cards in Jalgaon, said in Mumbai, 1.28 lakh ration cards have been cancelled while 1.55 lakh have been suspended.
Cases have also been filed against people under MPDA and MCOCa acts for "stealing" food grains in PDS meant for poor people.
