'Positive Discipline' campaign sensitises 1.35 lakh teachers across Maharashtra

School Education Minister Dadaji Bhuse. File Pic

The school education department's ‘Positive Discipline' campaign, aimed at safeguarding students' mental health, ensuring their safety, and strengthening teacher-student relationships, has seen wide implementation across Maharashtra. Conceived and guided by School Education Minister Dadaji Bhuse, the initiative has reached 1,35,339 teachers through 3,700 education conferences organised across the state.

The campaign was launched against the backdrop of recent incidents of corporal punishment reported in some schools, highlighting the need for a more empathetic and constructive approach to discipline and classroom management. Officials said the initiative seeks to promote healthier interactions between teachers and students while discouraging punitive practices.

Under the campaign, teachers were introduced to the concept of positive discipline, a science-based approach that emphasises dialogue, understanding students' challenges, and counselling to instil responsibility, rather than using fear or punishment as tools for maintaining discipline.

The programme was rolled out in a phased and systematic manner. In the initial phase, principals of District Institutes of Education and Training (DIETs) and primary and secondary education officers were sensitised. The message was then carried to the grassroots through district- and village-level education conferences, supported by extensive outreach through mass media.

Speaking on the success of the campaign, School Education Minister Dadaji Bhuse said that students' mental health and safety remain the government's top priorities. He stressed that schools must remain fear-free spaces where teachers engage with students through dialogue and understanding rather than physical or mental punishment. Bhuse added that the positive response from teachers would help foster a more cooperative and joyful learning environment across schools.

State to boost school safety with CCTV installation: Minister Minister Dadaji Bhuse

Earlier in December, State School Education Minister Dadaji Bhuse highlighted that the government is installing CCTV cameras and providing other necessary safety infrastructure to strengthen safety and security in schools across the state.

While filing a written reply to a question raised by NCP legislator Sulabha Khodke during the Maharashtra Winter Assembly Session, Bhuse said, "Following directions from the High Court, a Government Resolution (GR) was issued on May 13 mandating the installation of CCTV cameras to ensure student security in all schools."

The decision to install CCTV cameras will cover schools of all mediums and management types. The GR also directs the implementation of comprehensive safety guidelines.

The government further confirmed that a major factor contributing to inadequate school safety is the lack of school safety committees, complaint boxes, and first-aid facilities in many institutions.

Bhuse also highlighted that a total of 60,049 government schools run by local self-governing bodies and 29,049 private schools in the state have installed CCTV cameras.

Moreover, 45,677 teachers and non-teaching staff in the state have been registered in the Teachers-Staff Database.

"Nearly 4,888 schools have registered under the School Portal. About 103,665 School Safety Committees and 103,703 Parent-Teacher Associations have been formed. In addition, 103,703 schools have confirmed awareness and compliance regarding the POCSO Act and child protection guidelines," the minister added.