It is an unfortunate reality that security issues are topping everybody’s list of concerns.
And going a step further to assure security in school premises before the onset of the Commonwealth Games, many schools in the capital have been instructed by local authorities to install close circuit cameras (CCTVs).
Interestingly, many are saying that they haven’t received any such directive from authorities, but they admit that they already have CCTVs installed in strategic places to keep a check on visitors as well as students to curb indiscipline.
“Though we do have CCTVs in vulnerable places like playgrounds and swimming pools, we did this on the school’s expense. We haven’t received any directive from a local authority,” opines Neena Sehgal, principal of DPS R.K. Puram. Meeta Rai, principal of DPS Indrapuram agrees saying that they had installed CCTVs in their school premises five years ago, and till today they haven’t received any funds or instruction from any authority asking for compulsory installation.
“We have had them for a long time along with a security force to keep a check on students as well as outsiders. This has been done to curb unknown people from entering the school and to prevent vandalism of school property,” she adds.
However, there has been an on and off debate on the installation of CCTVs inside classrooms. While many school authorities oppose this move citing intrusion of students’ privacy as an issue, others believe that keeping children under continuous surveillance helps them maintain discipline in classrooms and prevents fights and bullying.
Veena Bhasin, retired principal of Vishwa Bharati Public School, Noida says, “Yes, after installing these cameras, the discipline among students has improved. They tend to be more cautious when they know their principal or vice principal is watching them. But then again we also need to respect the fact that they are children and they too need privacy. Moreover, installing CCTVs inside classrooms would also hamper the freedom of a teacher.”
“We never advocate installing cameras inside classrooms. It’s against our school policy. It’s better to have surveillance in places like playgrounds and entry and exit gates as these are places children choose to settle their scores and pick up fights,” says Sehgal.
However, parents support the installation of CCTVs. Shakti Kumar, father of a 13-year-old says, “Cameras may make students uncomfortable, but in the end it is for their safety. And in the long run it will be a fruitful exercise.”