In a significant move to enhance student safety, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has amended its affiliation bye-laws to make CCTV installation mandatory in all affiliated schools. According to a recent circular by CBSE Secretary Himanshu Gupta, high-resolution CCTV cameras with audio-visual recording capabilities must be installed at all key areas within school campuses.
Where the Cameras Must Be Installed
The cameras are to be strategically placed in important locations such as:
- Entry and exit points
- Lobbies and corridors
- Staircases
- Classrooms
- Laboratories and libraries
- Canteens and store rooms
- Playgrounds and other shared spaces
Toilets and washrooms, however, have been excluded from surveillance for privacy reasons.
15-Day Footage Retention Is Mandatory
The circular also states that schools must retain the CCTV footage for a minimum of 15 days and maintain proper backups. These recordings should be accessible to authorities if needed for any investigations or inquiries. Real-time monitoring is expected to ensure rapid response in case of any untoward incidents.
Backed by Child Rights Commission Guidelines
CBSE’s decision aligns with the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) manual on school safety. According to the NCPCR, school safety includes protection from physical abuse, bullying, mental stress, violence, accidents, disasters, and even psychological threats. It emphasizes that bullying can cause students to suffer from low self-esteem and prolonged stress—factors that CCTV monitoring can help identify and deter.
Safety Over Surveillance
While the move strengthens physical infrastructure requirements (under Chapter 4 of the affiliation bye-laws), it also brings to the fore the need for regular monitoring and maintenance of CCTVs. This isn’t just about surveillance—it’s about creating a safe and secure learning environment for children, where threats and misconduct are deterred before they escalate.
