New Delhi (National Times): In a major move to enhance student safety and well-being, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has amended its Affiliation Bye-Laws, mandating all affiliated schools to install high-resolution CCTV cameras equipped with audio-visual recording systems across key areas of their campuses.
According to the official notification issued by the Board, schools are now required to ensure CCTV coverage at all entry and exit points, classrooms, corridors, staircases, labs, libraries, canteens, store rooms, playgrounds, and other common areas, excluding toilets and washrooms, to maintain student privacy. The real-time audio-visual footage must be preserved for a minimum period of 15 days and made accessible to authorities if needed.
The CBSE, in its notification, emphasized that student safety is a top priority and integral to the learning environment. The initiative stems from the guidelines laid down by the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR), which stress the importance of creating a safe, abuse-free, and emotionally secure atmosphere for children.
“Children require a healthy and supportive environment to grow and thrive. This step will help in monitoring school environments more effectively and ensure accountability among school staff and management,” the notification stated.
The move comes amid rising concerns over safety incidents in schools, including bullying, abuse, and unauthorized access. With real-time surveillance, CBSE aims to deter potential misconduct and provide credible evidence in case of untoward incidents.
The Board has directed all affiliated schools to strictly adhere to the new clause in both letter and spirit, reiterating that safety of children cannot be compromised under any circumstances.
