In a major step to enhance student security, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has modified its Affiliation Bye-Laws 2018 with an added mandatory provision for CCTV monitoring in all affiliated institutions. The revision, listed under Chapter 4, detailing infrastructure norms, now obliges schools to fit high-resolution audio-visual-enabled cameras in key areas all over school campuses.
Key Areas to Be Monitored
Under the new regulations, CCTV cameras should be installed at:
- Entry and exit points
- Corridors, lobbies, and staircases
- Classrooms and laboratories
- Libraries and canteen areas
- Store rooms and playgrounds
- All other common or shared areas
- Toilets and washrooms are exempted from monitoring.
The cameras need to provide real-time recording with footage stored for a minimum of 15 days. Schools need to keep secure backups of the recordings so they can be produced before authorities when required.
Compliance with Child Safety Standards
This policy is in accordance with the standards of safety prescribed in the Manual on Safety and Security of Children in Schools brought out by the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR). According to the manual, school safety is not only the safety of children from physical harm in the form of abuse or accidents, but also emotional and psychological harm in the form of stress or bullying.
The NCPCR had already suggested the routine use of CCTV in schools, but now this has been made a mandatory requirement for affiliation by CBSE's latest directive.
CBSE pointed out that the aim is not only increased vigilance but also early identification of safety concerns and encouraging a secure, supportive school environment for everyone. The Board has appealed to the school administration, teachers, support staff, teachers, contractors, and even guests to contribute to sharing the responsibility in creating a safe campus.
Implementation and Compliance
CBSE asked all its affiliated schools to implement this provision "in letter and spirit"—not just as a compliance rule, but as an essential measure towards creating a safe and supportive learning environment.
