E-Paper
Sign In
CBSE mandates CCTV cameras in schools to ensure physical, emotional safety
The installed CCTV cameras must have a storage device with the capacity of holding footage of at least 15 days
- PUBLISHED: Mon 21 Jul 2025, 5:37 PM UPDATED: Mon 21 Jul 2025, 5:41 PM
The Central Board for Secondary Education (CBSE) has now made it compulsory for all schools affiliated with it to instal CCTV cameras on their premises.
The board made the announcement on Monday, July 21, citing the physical and emotional safety and wellbeing of students as a reason for tightening its surveillance laws.
Recommended For You
"The school should instal high resolution CCTV cameras with audio visual facility at all the entry and exit points of the school, lobbies, corridors, staircases, all the classrooms, labs, library, canteen area, store room, playground and other common areas except toilets and washrooms with real time audio-visual recording," read the notice.
Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels.
The installed CCTV cameras must have a storage device with the capacity of holding footage of at least 15 days. This will ensure that a backup of a minimum 15 days is preserved, which may be accessed by the authorities, if required.
Meanwhile, clause 1(X) of the NCPCR's Manual on safety and security of children in Schools states, "CCTV in schools needs to be monitored and maintained regularly."
The board explained the move is to ensure safety from abuse of any kind, violence, psycho-social issues, natural or man made disasters, fire, and transportation.
Emotional problems and stress in children, that may have risen due to bullying, may not always be easily detected by teachers or parents, according to the board, pointing towards the need for better monitoring of such incidents.
"Bullying can cause victimised students to suffer from lower self-esteem and daily stress about their wellbeing."
"Children of our country have constitutional guarantee of the fundamental rights to live with dignity and to have access to education in an environment that is safe, protective and conducive for their growth and development. Everyone in school has a role to play in ensuring good safety, healthy and secure environment within the school; be it teachers, special needs assistants, visitors and contractors and students themselves."
