Agartala: The Tripura government informed the High Court of Tripura that it is installing CCTV cameras in schools across the state in a phased manner. The Division Bench, comprising Chief Justice Aparesh Kumar Singh and Justice Biswajit Palit, was told that, as of now, only 218 out of 4,905 schools in the state have CCTV cameras installed.
The High Court was hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by advocate Kundan Pandey, raising concerns about the safety and security measures for children in schools.
“An additional counter-affidavit has been filed by the respondent-state. It indicates that in the eight districts of the state, comprising 4,905 schools, only 218 schools have CCTV cameras installed, as per the breakup furnished under paragraph-10 of the additional counter-affidavit. Further details sought by the petitioner-in-person under RTI are delineated under paragraph Nos. 18 and 20 of the additional counter-affidavit,” the court noted in its order.
The state government also updated the Court about steps taken to implement safety guidelines prescribed under the New Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
“Under the NEP 2020, guidelines on school safety and security have been shared by the District Education Officers with stakeholders, including school management, to ensure the safety and security of children studying in schools. The Learned Government Advocate also stated that various categories of children from weaker sections, identified under the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009, are being provided with their legal entitlements as per a notification dated July 15, 2022,” the order said.
The Advocate General, representing the state, assured the Court that discussions on the matter would be held with competent authorities.
“Learned Government Advocate submits that the government is actively addressing safety concerns by installing CCTVs at strategic locations in schools as part of a phased plan. For privately managed schools, the state has issued guidelines in line with the NEP 2020. Discussions will also be held with state officials regarding the installation of CCTV cameras in these schools,” the Advocate General stated.
The petitioner, advocate Kundan Pandey, has been asked to prepare further on the issues raised in the PIL.
The next hearing in the matter has been scheduled for February 6, 2024.
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