Tripura Installs CCTV Cameras In Schools To Enhance Safety

AGARTALA: The Tripura government has informed the state High Court that they are taking steps to enhance children's safety by installing CCTV cameras at key locations in schools.

The government made this submission during a hearing in the Tripura High Court on a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking directives to implement safety and security measures in schools across the state.

The PIL, filed by Advocate Kundan Pandey, was heard by Chief Justice Aparesh Kumar Singh and Justice Biswajit Palit. The hearing revealed that out of 4,905 schools across eight districts of Tripura, only 218 have CCTV cameras installed.

The High Court order reads: "Further averments regarding the information sought by the petitioner-in-person under RTI have been detailed in the additional counter-affidavit. It has also been stated that under the new Education Policy, 2020, guidelines on school safety and security have been shared by the District Education Officers with all stakeholders and school managements concerning the safety and security of children studying in the schools."

The order mentioned that during the hearing, learned Government Advocates S.M. Chakraborti and Kohinoor N. Bhattacharya conveyed that various categories of children from weaker sections have been identified under the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009, and a notification dated July 15, 2022, has been issued by the State to provide them with their legal entitlements.

The order reads, "Learned Government Advocate submits that the government is in the process of addressing the safety concerns of children by installing CCTVs at strategic positions in schools in a phased manner. However, he submits that regarding privately managed schools, the State has issued guidelines as per the National Education Policy, 2020. He further submits that deliberations will be held with State officials on the issue of installing CCTV cameras in privately managed schools."

The Learned Advocate General also appeared and submitted that the matter would be taken up with the competent authority in the state. The next hearing, however, is scheduled for February 6, 2025.

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