The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has revised its affiliation requirements by introducing a new safety provision focused on improving surveillance infrastructure within school premises. The change, added under Chapter 4 of the affiliation by-laws, mandates the installation of CCTV cameras at all significant areas of school campuses, excluding washrooms and toilets to maintain student privacy.
According to the updated norms, schools affiliated with CBSE must ensure that entry and exit points, corridors, classrooms, lobbies, laboratories, libraries, canteens, and playgrounds are equipped with CCTV coverage. These installations are expected to support both security and monitoring efforts. The recordings are to be preserved for a minimum duration of 15 days, and schools must guarantee proper backup and maintenance to keep the systems operational and available for inspection by concerned authorities.
The directive draws reference from the “Manual on Safety and Security of Children in Schools” published by the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR). The manual stresses the importance of a comprehensive safety net, highlighting the need to guard students against physical, psychological, and environmental risks.
One of the core concerns addressed is emotional safety, particularly in relation to bullying. Authorities underline that unchecked bullying can affect a child’s mental health, leading to low self-esteem, chronic stress, and reduced academic performance. Preventive action, backed by active monitoring, is seen as a necessary step toward ensuring a healthier school environment.
The Board has urged collective cooperation from all stakeholders, including teachers, students, support staff, contractors, and visitors, to follow the updated safety norms. Institutions are expected to implement these measures not just to meet compliance but to maintain their CBSE affiliation status. Technology, according to the Board, should be used as a tool to create a vigilant and secure learning atmosphere for every student.
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