Govt. should cancel unsafe state-run institutions: MSWC chief

Maharashtra State Women's Commission (MSWC) chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar called on the state government to cancel state-run institutions that are unsafe.

Rahatkar told media here today,"The hall in which the girls stay is not safe and secure and the toilets are very far. There have been no different arrangements for girls and boys separately. There is no cleanliness; no safety and security. The government should cancel such institutions."

Rahatkar added that the Women's Commission has requested the government to make sure that the girls should get admission in other respected schools so that their studies should not suffer.

She pointed out that at the hostel, even the minimum facilities are not there. "Police officials are doing their investigation. Five girls have been questioned about the matter. State-run similar institutions which are especially for girls will be investigated and the status of those will be checked," she said.

Further stating that the State investigating team has been established, she said:". Female police officers are working on it. This matter has been raised with seriousness by the state women's commission. The safety of kids is most important and one can't compromise with this."

Four more persons were held on Saturday in connection with the Buldhana rape case, where a 13-year old student was raped at an ashram school here.

A total of 15 people have been arrested so far in this matter.

The Maharashtra Government yesterday formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the incident.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis yesterday said the Buldhana rape incident will be probed under the supervision of a female IPS officer and assured that strict action will be taken against the accused.

As per reports, the untoward incident took place on Thursday night.

The accused include president, secretary and joint secretary of the private boarding school, which is 450 kilometers from Mumbai.

Meanwhile, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Nawab Malik has demanded the ouster of Tribal Minister Vishnu Sawra and Women and Child Development Minister Pankaja Munde for alleged negligence towards tribals.

He has also demanded the resignation of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis for the alleged apathy towards tribals.