Pune, 20 November 2025: Police announced a major year-long partnership with the city’s schools and colleges to reduce rising student-related crimes such as drug consumption, traffic rule violations, and indiscipline.
Police Commissioner shared details of the action plan on Wednesday during a special seminar titled ‘Safe Horizons in Education’ held at JW Marriott.
Senior academic leaders including Savitribai Phule Pune University Vice-Chancellor Dr. Suresh Gosavi, Symbiosis founder Dr. S. B. Mujumdar, senior legal expert S. K. Jain, and Symbiosis International University Pro-Chancellor Dr. Vidya Yeravdekar were present along with Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar and top crime branch officers.
During the event, Pune Police showcased the initiatives they will implement in schools and colleges as part of their social policing efforts. Students from certain colleges also presented how their campuses are tackling issues like drug use, rising misconduct, and mental health challenges.
Dr. Gosavi said that Pune has earned a global reputation as the “Oxford of the East,” attracting students from many countries, which makes it important to safeguard the city’s academic environment.
Dr. Mujumdar explained that Pune’s education culture has changed rapidly over the last 50 years and emphasised the need for strong counselling centres in every institution. He said the 15–25 age group should not be labelled as “undisciplined” or “criminal” simply because they struggle or feel isolated.
Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar warned that some private hostels in Pune have become hotspots of trouble and that many parents have no control over their children’s activities.
He also claimed that certain coaching class operators instigate students to join protests. He said that “every action has a limit” and urged educational institutes to take strict measures against students involved in misconduct.
Senior police officials also shared their suggestions, emphasising cooperation between police, institutes, and parents to ensure student safety.
Pune Police will conduct several programmes across colleges, including leadership training for student representatives, road safety drives, anti-drug campaigns, gender sensitisation activities, mental health awareness, performance reviews, and guidance sessions. The police will also maintain regular presence on campuses as part of this initiative.
