Emergency Response Training to Begin for School Staff and Officers Across Maharashtra

For the first time in Maharashtra, the government is taking a proactive step by introducing emergency response training for teachers, school staff, and local education officers. The goal is to ensure that every educational institution is equipped not just with books and blackboards, but with people trained to handle crises, be it natural disasters, accidents,

The decision was made after several incidents were reported where schools struggled to manage emergency situations. Whether it was dealing with fire alarms, sudden student injuries, or evacuation protocols during unexpected weather events—schools had no standard response plan. I personally recall a time during school when a short circuit caused panic and there was no adult who knew what to do. Such incidents are exactly what this training aims to change.

Who Will Be Trained?

As per the new plan, the training will be given to:

School Principals
Administrative Officers
Non-teaching Staff
Class Teachers
Education Department Officials

The training will be mandatory and rolled out district-wise in batches. Focus will be given to government and aided schools first, followed by private institutions.

What Will the Training Include?

The training modules will include:

First aid and CPR basics
Fire safety and evacuation plans
Dealing with earthquakes and floods
Student psychological support in emergency
Police and ambulance coordination drills

This won’t be just one-time training. Refresher courses will be held every year so that response plans stay updated as per new safety guidelines.

Why This Matters

India has thousands of schools in areas prone to floods, heatwaves, and even chemical factory zones. Still, most of these schools function without safety drills or proper equipment. Even metro cities like Mumbai and Pune are not fully prepared. The training will make sure that those responsible for children during school hours are ready to respond when things go wrong.

The initiative is being led by Maharashtra Education Department and disaster management authorities, with support from local NGOs who specialise in emergency preparedness.

When and Where?

The pilot training sessions will start this month in Nagpur, Pune and Nashik. Once reviewed, it will expand to all districts. Special trainers will be sent from the disaster management authority and local police departments.

Teachers and principals will get certificates after completion, which will also be linked to their annual performance review. This is being done to make sure everyone takes it seriously.

What Teachers Are Saying

A teacher from Pune who was part of the trial batch said the training gave her confidence she never had before. She said she now knows exactly what to do if a student faints or if there’s a panic situation. Many like her feel such training should’ve started years ago.

Final Word

This initiative is not just about teaching emergency techniques. It’s about creating a safe and secure space for every child. Because when children step into school, their safety should never be uncertain. This is a step in the right direction, and if implemented properly, could become a model for the entire country.

Education is the Key to Real Change in Society, Says Kishor Barman

Education has always been seen as the foundation of a strong society, but Tripura’s Forest Minister Kishor Barman recently highlighted just how central it is to creating real, lasting change. Speaking at an event in Ambassa during the inaugural function of the Vivekananda Vidyarthi Utsav, Barman said education is not just about getting degrees—it is about shaping values, thinking critically, and building a society that stands on equality and progress. He stressed that any development work—be it social, economic, or political—needs education at its core.

I wanted to write about this because we often forget how much power education truly holds. In our country, where many still struggle to access basic schooling, statements like these serve as reminders of what we should prioritise. It’s not just about building roads or setting up factories; if we really want change—clean governance, better healthcare, equality—then it has to begin in our schools and colleges. When a public leader talks about education this way, it shows that we’re finally starting to understand what needs to be done.

Kishor Barman’s Emphasis on Grassroots Education

While addressing the students and teachers at the Vidyarthi Utsav, Kishor Barman said that education is the most powerful weapon for societal transformation. He pointed out that when young people are educated with the right values and awareness, they grow into citizens who can fight injustice, support development, and make India stronger from the ground up.

He mentioned Swami Vivekananda’s vision of youth being the future of India, and added that today’s students have a huge responsibility to lead with knowledge and moral strength. According to Barman, education should not be limited to scoring high marks but should focus on building strong character and critical thinking.

Importance of Events Like Vivekananda Vidyarthi Utsav

The Vidyarthi Utsav, organised by Vidya Bharati, is more than just a cultural event. It’s meant to promote the kind of education that connects students to India’s cultural roots while preparing them for modern challenges.

Students from different parts of Dhalai district participated in competitions, discussions, and cultural programmes during the event. These kinds of gatherings are important because they create awareness, foster unity among schools, and promote holistic learning outside the classroom.

Education as a Tool to Remove Inequality

Kishor Barman made a strong point about how education can bridge the gap between the rich and the poor. He said that once a child gets the right education, they are no longer held back by their economic background. Knowledge opens doors that money alone can’t.

He also encouraged students to stay curious and never stop learning, adding that the government is working to improve the quality of education in remote areas like Dhalai and across Tripura. By upgrading school infrastructure, recruiting trained teachers, and introducing skill-based learning, the state hopes to make education more relevant and accessible.

How Tripura is Supporting Education

The state government has been focusing on school improvements, particularly in rural and tribal areas. Hostels for girls, mid-day meal improvements, free books and uniforms—these are some of the steps being taken. More importantly, the emphasis is now shifting from just access to quality and outcome-based education.

Skill training for students in higher classes, local language instruction for tribal communities, and digital learning tools are being introduced to match the learning needs of different groups.