Install CCTV cameras on campus: Maharashtra government tells schools

Following several incidents of sexual assault on children Maharashtra government is making it mandatory for all schools to install CCTV on campus to ensure safety of childrenThe order which comes following a court order in this regard is mandatory for all schools irrespective of whichever board they are affiliated to and for all mediums whether government or private The step has been welcomed by all but few schools have mentioned about financial issues in implementing the orderRepresentational pictureFollowing a Public Internet Litigation PIL in the Bombay High Court regarding increasing instances of sexual assault on school children the court had suggested to the state that all schools should be under CCTV surveillance to ensure safety Taking cognisance of the same a circular has been issued to schools making CCTV installation mandatory According to the circular local education inspectors will also be responsible for taking periodical survey of the installationThe state govt order states Following the HCs suggestion it is now mandatory for all schools to have themselves under CCTV surveillance In private schools the managements will be responsible to install the service in school Schools can identify vulnerable areas and begin the installation from there Local education officers will be responsible for undertaking periodical review of the installed service and presenting a report to the office of deputy director of education every six monthsSchools react Prashan Redij spokesperson of the principals association welcoming the move said Considering recent events this is certainly a muchrequired step More importantly with government issuing such an order ways to raise funds for CCTV installation expenditure have increased as several individuals or associations will be willing to contribute to itHe further added ldquoHaving school under CCTV surveillance is advantageous to avoid or control any kind of malicious activities happening on campus against students teachers or even principal for that matterPrincipal of St Marys School Mazgaon Francis Swamy said This has become an essential commodity in schools in order to ensure safety Each school can decide on their own how many CCTVs can they install beginning from the most vulnerable areas of the campusWhile schools have welcomed the move they are also worried of raising finances to install the system ldquoThe governmentrsquos order is welcoming as it serves a much complex need But the order could have been more specific about how it can be implemented Installing technology on school campus is a costly affair With mandatory orders government could also have explained how to raise funds for it Private schools can at least charge more fees but for aided schools it is going to be a task to manage finances for itWhat parents feelParents are really happy with the news Ajay Sathe whose child studies in New English School Dadar said ldquoThis is thoughtful Not only will it deter people from indulging into untoward activities it will also be a good system to have a record of knowing what is truthAnother parent Minakshi Raut whose son studies in seventh standard of St Francis School Borivli added ldquoSchools cannot give finances as an excuse now to implement the system I am sure parents will be happy to shell more in the fee structure to help school install this much important commodityrdquo