New Delhi, July 21,(OT webdesk): In a decisive move to enhance campus security, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has made CCTV surveillance mandatory across all affiliated schools.
The amended Chapter 4 of CBSE’s Affiliation Bye-Laws-2018 requires the installation of high-resolution audio-visual cameras covering key areas within school premises.
The surveillance will extend to entry/exit points, lobbies, corridors, staircases, classrooms, laboratories, libraries, canteens, storerooms, and playgrounds—while explicitly excluding toilets and washrooms.
Each setup must retain footage for a minimum of 15 days, ensuring access for inspections.
This directive aligns with recommendations from the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR), which underscores the importance of safeguarding students from bullying, abuse, and psychological stress.
CBSE Secretary Himanshu Gupta, who signed the circular issued on July 21, stated that the move represents a strategic step toward cultivating safe, inclusive, and technology-driven learning environments.
The mandate has sparked widespread discussion among educators and child safety advocates, with many viewing it as a proactive measure to integrate surveillance ethics with child welfare.
