CBSE Board made mandatory to install CCTV cameras on all schools

CBSE Board: The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has made the installation of high-resolution CCTV cameras with audio-visual recording capabilities mandatory for all its affiliated schools. CBSE Board made mandatory to install CCTV cameras on all schools.

This directive comes as an amendment to Chapter 4 (Physical Infrastructure) of the CBSE Affiliation Bye-Laws-2018, underscoring the board’s commitment to enhancing student safety and security.

Key Provisions of the New CBSE CCTV Mandate:

Mandatory Installation Locations:

All entry and exit points of the school

Lobbies

Corridors

Staircases

All classrooms

Laboratories

Libraries

Canteen areas

Storerooms

Playgrounds

Other common areas

Exclusion: Toilets and washrooms are explicitly excluded from this requirement to respect privacy concerns. The cameras must be capable of real-time audio-visual recording. This signifies a move beyond just video surveillance to a more comprehensive monitoring system.

Schools are required to ensure that the CCTV systems are equipped with a storage device capable of holding footage for a minimum period of 15 days. A backup of this footage must also be preserved and made accessible to authorities if required.

This new measure aligns with the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR)’s Manual on Safety and Security of Children in Schools. The NCPCR manual emphasizes creating a safe environment for children, protecting them from abuse, violence, and even emotional harm like bullying.

The primary goal is to enhance student safety and well-being, prevent incidents, and provide a secure and cohesive ecosystem within schools. CBSE has highlighted that such measures help deter “unscrupulous unsocietal elements” and ensure the overall well-being of children from threats like bullying.

Schools are expected to strictly adhere to this provision in both “letter and spirit” to maintain their affiliation with the Board. Regular monitoring and maintenance of the CCTV systems are also emphasized to ensure they are fully functional at all times.

This move signifies a proactive approach by CBSE to integrate technology for a safer learning environment for students across all its affiliated institutions.

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