The Government of Maharashtra has issued an important Government Resolution (GR) to make schools safer for children across the state. This GR makes it compulsory for all schools to follow the Central Government’s School Safety and Security Guidelines (2021). In addition to the previous safety guidelines issued by the Maharashtra government, this GR reinforces and expands the measures to ensure student safety.
Simply put, student safety is no longer optional.
It is now a clear legal responsibility.The rules apply to all schools, including government, aided, unaided, self-financed, and local body schools. It clearly places responsibility on school managements, principals, teachers, and all staff members to ensure a safe and respectful environment for students.
Maharashtra’s Official New School Safety Rules GR
Why the Maharashtra Government Introduced New School Safety Rules?
Concerns around school student safety have been growing across the country. Several court cases and directions, including observations by the Hon’ble Supreme Court, highlighted the need for stronger safeguards in schools.
In response, the Central Government issued detailed safety guidelines. With this GR, Maharashtra has made these guidelines mandatory, leaving no room for ambiguity or delay.
The key goals of this GR are as follows:
- Create a safe, inclusive, and respectful school environment
- Completely eliminate corporal punishment and discrimination
- Ensure quick reporting, action, and accountability whenever a violation occurs
Key Laws and Guidelines Covered Under the New School Safety Rules in Maharashtra
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Right to Education (RTE) Act, 2009
Under Section 17 of the RTE Act, physical punishment and mental harassment of students are strictly prohibited in all schools.
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School Safety and Security Guidelines, 2021
These Central Government guidelines focus on physical safety of students; emotional and mental well-being; and ethical and professional behaviour of school staff.
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POCSO Act, 2012 and Juvenile Justice Act, 2015
Any serious offence involving children must be reported within 24 hours and handled strictly under these laws.
What Schools Must Strictly Follow Under the New School Safety Rules in Maharashtra
1. Zero Tolerance for Corporal Punishment and Abuse
The new school safety rules in Maharashtra makes it very clear that there will be no tolerance for any form of abuse. This includes:
- Hitting, slapping, kicking, or using any object to punish students
- Verbal abuse, name-calling, humiliation, or threats
- Making students stand for long periods, denying food or water, or isolating them
Any such behaviour will be treated as a serious violation of the law.
2. Respectful Communication is Not Optional
Creating a safe and positive school environment begins with the way adults speak to students. Teachers and school staff are expected to follow these rules:
- Speak to students in polite, calm, and respectful language
- Avoid any threatening, insulting, or demeaning behaviour
- Maintain clear professional boundaries at all times
3. Clear Rules on Digital Communication and Student Privacy
With a growing digital and social media influence, privacy and safety of students is a must. Which is why, the GR also addresses digital safety and privacy:
- Personal messages or social media contact with students are not allowed, except in unavoidable situations
- Photos or videos of students cannot be taken or shared without written permission from parents or authorised authorities
- Academic records and performance data must be handled confidentially and sensitively
4. School Infrastructure and Student Welfare are Mandatory
A child’s learning experience is shaped not just by classrooms and textbooks, but by how safe, supported, and cared for they feel every day at school. Recognising this, schools are expected to pay close and consistent attention to the basic facilities provided to students, and must ensure:
- Safe buildings and accessible infrastructure, especially for children with special needs
- Clean drinking water and nutritious food
- Timely medical support
- Quick and fair resolution of student complaints
Any negligence in these areas can lead to action against the school authorities.
5. Strict Ban on Illegal Activities on School Premises
The new school safety rules in Maharashtra strictly prohibit any illegal or unsafe activities on school grounds, including:
- Drugs or intoxicating substances
- Violent activities of any kind
- Any behaviour that puts student safety at risk
No exceptions will be allowed under any circumstances.
6. Clear Reporting and Grievance Redressal Process
If a safety violation takes place, the department expects the following steps from schools:
- The school principal or administrator must report it immediately
- A written record and preliminary inquiry report must be prepared
- Serious cases must be reported to the police within 24 hours
7. Preserving Evidence is a Legal Duty
Following the reporting process, schools must ensure all relevant evidence is preserved and protected, as tampering or loss is a serious offence. Thus, schools are required to:
- Preserve CCTV footage, attendance records, and complaint documents
- Ensure that no evidence is destroyed or tampered with
- Fully cooperate with police and investigating authorities
Failure to do so will be treated as a serious offence.
Accountability in Case of Non Adherence of the New School Safety Rules in Maharashtra
Who will be held responsible if new school safety rules in Maharashtra? In such cases, action can be taken against:
- School principals and administrators
- Teachers and staff, including contractual employees
- Managements that try to hide incidents or submit false information
Important Note: Delays, negligence, or misleading reports can lead to strict disciplinary action.
Suo Motu Action Based on Media Reports
Even if no formal complaint is filed, authorities can take Suo Motu action based on:
- Newspaper reports
- Television or digital media coverage
- Information shared on social media
This ensures that student safety issues are not ignored or buried.
Final Takeaway
With this Government Resolution, the Maharashtra Government has made its stand clear: Student safety is both a legal and moral responsibility.
Schools are no longer just centres of education. They are legally required to be safe, ethical, and child-centric spaces. Any violation of physical, emotional, or procedural nature will invite strict action under the law.
Source
Official Notice by Maharashtra School Education and Sports Department, 13 December, 2025: click here to read.
Kindly note that any and all information is subject to change as per the Maharashtra School Education and Sports Department, Education Department, and Government of India.
