New Delhi: In a significant move aimed at enhancing student safety, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has revised its affiliation rules, requiring all affiliated schools to install high-resolution CCTV cameras capable of real-time audio-visual recording in all areas except toilets and washrooms. According to CBSE Secretary Himanshu Gupta, the decision underscores the importance of maintaining a secure and supportive school environment.
“Safety of students is one of the paramount responsibilities of a school and ensure that the students get a safe and cohesive eco-system in the school. The Safety has two aspects, safety from scrupulous unsocietal elements, [and] safety for the overall well-being of the children with reference to bullying and other implicit threats,” Gupta stated. He added that modern technology, combined with a vigilant and empathetic staff, can prevent many potential threats within schools.
The mandate is part of an amendment to Chapter 4 of the Affiliation Bye-Laws-2018. It specifies that CCTV systems with audio-visual capability must be installed at all entry and exit points, as well as in lobbies, corridors, staircases, classrooms, laboratories, libraries, canteens, store rooms, playgrounds, and other common areas, excluding toilets and washrooms.
“These CCTV Cameras must be equipped with a storage device with the capacity of holding footage of at-least 15 days. It shall be ensured that a backup of a minimum 15 days be preserved, which may be accessed by the authorities, if required,” Gupta said.
The directive aligns with the guidelines provided by the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR), which emphasizes that school safety encompasses protection from abuse, violence, psychological stress, disasters, and emotional threats. “Bullying can cause victimized students to suffer from lower self-esteem and daily stress about their well-being,” Gupta added, stressing the importance of emotional safety alongside physical security.
The move is expected to bring about stricter monitoring and swifter responses to incidents on school campuses, bolstering confidence among parents and educators alike.