Pune Police Host Comprehensive ‘School Safety Conference’ To Protect 11 Lakh Students In 1200 Schools

Reported by Mubarak Ansari & Tikam Shekhawat

Pune, 29th August 2024: In an ambitious effort to enhance the safety and security of students across Pune, the Pune Police Commissionerate organized a ‘School Safety Conference’ at the Shree Ganesh Kala Kridamanch in Swargate, Pune. The event witnessed the participation of over 2,400 principals and secretaries from approximately 1,200 schools within the Pune City jurisdiction, highlighting the significance of collective responsibility in ensuring a safe educational environment for children.

The keynote address was delivered by Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar, who reiterated the Pune Police’s unwavering commitment to supporting schools in their safety endeavors. Commissioner Kumar urged the participants to extend the safety measures discussed at the conference to the 11 lakh students attending the 1,200 schools in Pune. He highlighted the importance of installing CCTV cameras, maintaining footage for at least 15 days, and conducting thorough background checks on all teaching and non-teaching staff.

Kumar assured the school representatives that the Pune Police would remain vigilant and ready to assist with any security-related issues that might arise. His assurances underscored the police force’s dedication to being an active partner in the safety of the city’s students.

Joint Commissioner of Police Ranjan Kumar Sharma took the stage to explain the primary objectives of the conference. Sharma stressed the need for developing a comprehensive solution plan to address any instances of misbehavior within schools. His address called for a proactive approach from school administrators, urging them to collaborate closely with the police to maintain a safe and conducive learning environment.

DCP (Crime Branch) Nikhil Pingle delivered an insightful presentation on the safety protocols necessary for protecting students. Through a detailed PowerPoint presentation, DCP Pingle emphasized the importance of awareness and adherence to newly implemented laws regarding the safety of women and children. He also introduced various initiatives under the Pune City Police Commissionerate that are aimed at fortifying security measures in educational institutions.

Pingle’s presentation not only provided a comprehensive overview of the legal framework but also underscored the necessity of vigilance among school administrations in safeguarding students. His guidance included practical steps that schools could take to minimize risks and respond effectively to any threats.

Another critical aspect of the conference was road safety, addressed by Regional Transport Officer Archana Gaikwad. RTO Gaikwad provided detailed insights into road safety practices, focusing specifically on the school bus policy. She highlighted the importance of not exceeding the capacity of students in school buses and rickshaws, and the need for strict adherence to safety norms. Gaikwad’s presentation was a timely reminder of the role that transport safety plays in the broader context of student security.

The conference also featured an important session by Sampat Suryavanshi, Director of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education Department, Maharashtra State. Suryavanshi offered guidance on the implementation of government decisions and circulars issued concerning school safety. His discussion aimed to ensure that all educational institutions are fully compliant with the latest government directives, thus reinforcing the legal and administrative framework surrounding student protection.

An interactive session followed, where school principals and secretaries raised pertinent questions regarding school safety. Police Commissioner Kumar addressed these concerns, offering clear and practical solutions, ensuring that all queries were effectively resolved by the end of the session. This engagement highlighted the collaborative spirit of the conference, emphasizing that student safety is a shared responsibility.

The conference was attended by several high-ranking officials, including Additional Commissioners of Police Manoj Patil, Pravin Kumar Patil, Superintendent of Police (Pune Rural) Pankaj Deshmukh, DCPs Sandeep Singh Gill, Smartana Patil, Sambhaji Kadam, Himmat Jadhav, R Raja, G Sridhar, and Education Officer (Secondary) Pune Zilla Parishad Dr. Bhausaheb Karekar.