West Bengal makes CCTV cameras mandatory in girls' schools

In a bid to enhance security and address concerns about safety in educational institutions, the West Bengal Education Department has announced a significant decision. The department has made it mandatory for all girls' schools in the state, regardless of whether they are government-run or private, to install CCTV cameras. This decision comes in the wake of recent incidents that have highlighted the need for improved surveillance and security measures in schools and colleges.

The decision was prompted by two notable incidents in West Bengal. The first incident involved the tragic death of a newcomer at Jadavpur University, attributed to ragging. The second incident was the shocking revelation of sexual assault on two minor girls at a girls' orphanage in South Kolkata. These incidents have raised concerns about the safety and security of students, especially girls, in educational institutions.

To implement this mandate, the West Bengal government has announced its intention to issue a notice soon. Under this directive, government girls' schools will have the cost of installing CCTV cameras covered by the state government. However, private schools for girls will be responsible for financing the installation of these cameras themselves. An official from the State Education Department said, "After girls' schools, this may also become mandatory for colleges for girls in the state."