Cameras in Classrooms: CBSE Rolls Out Major School Safety Upgrade
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CBSE has updated its Affiliation Bye-Laws (Chapter 4) to mandate that all affiliated schools install HD CCTV cameras with live audio–video in key areas such as entry/exit points, lobbies, corridors, staircases, classrooms, labs, libraries, canteens, store rooms, playgrounds, and other shared spaces—excluding toilets and washrooms.
Schools must preserve the recorded footage for a minimum of 15 days, including backups accessible to relevant authorities if needed. This move aligns with guidelines from the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR), citing the importance of constant surveillance to prevent bullying, emotional harm, and misconduct.
CBSE Secretary Himanshu Gupta emphasized that these cameras are not merely for surveillance, but to foster a safer, more emotionally secure learning environment. Schools are also required to conduct regular equipment checks to ensure cameras are functional.
Non-compliance could affect a school’s CBSE affiliation—an added incentive for swift adoption. With over 30,000 schools under CBSE’s umbrella, this directive represents a sweeping upgrade in student safety protocols.
In summary, CBSE’s policy marks a significant shift to tech-driven school security—focused not just on preventing physical danger, but on protecting children’s emotional well-being and responding quickly to threats. The measure has been widely supported by educators and parents alike.
