Pune: The Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) has instructed school principals to focus on school safety, food quality, and hygiene.

The corporation aims to provide students with a conducive learning atmosphere, said Additional Commissioner Pradeep Jambhale Patil during a meeting with principals at the Auto Cluster Auditorium, Chinchwad.

The discussion centered around key issues such as student safety, school cleanliness, the quality of mid-day meals, and the active role of the School Management Committee in the development of schools.

Jambhale Patil stressed that school safety is the responsibility of the principals, emphasizing that CCTV cameras have been installed in schools to enhance security. He instructed principals to ensure these cameras are in proper working condition and to address any issues promptly.

The quality of mid-day meals was another focus, with Patil mandating monthly reports that assess the quality of the food served. He warned that action would be taken if substandard food is found.

The meeting also addressed cleanliness protocols, requiring schools to clean premises twice a day and restrooms three times a day. Monthly cleanliness reports are also expected to be submitted to the Municipal Corporation.

Assistant Commissioner Vijaykumar Thorat added that School Management Committees must be actively involved in the schools' development and work in coordination with principals and teachers to improve the schools' standards and increase student enrollment.

Thorat also encouraged schools to better prepare students for scholarship exams by providing necessary guidance.

The corporation is also making efforts to ensure the safety of students by appointing 271 security guards across all schools. With the help of Maharashtra Ex-Servicemen Corporation Limited (MESKO), security guards will be deployed in schools starting from October 16, with further appointments to be made in phases across all regional offices.

Additionally, a zero-waste initiative is being implemented in schools to inculcate the importance of cleanliness among students from a young age. This program is currently active in 40 schools, with plans to extend it to 16 more soon.