The government’s order asking schools to install CCTV cameras on campuses following directions by the high court making it mandatory for schools to do so, can lead to parents having to shell out money for the same. The schools have been asked to take the measure regardless of their affiliation or status and the government has categorically denied providing funds for it.
The Maharashtra State School Principals Association (MSSPA) has, however, said that schools should dip into their reserve funds and if the schools are not able to afford the expense, the association would be willing to help.
Welcoming the decision, Prashant Redij, Mumbai secretary of the MSSPA, said, “We have received feedback from schools in many areas about their inability to foot the cost of installing CCTV surveillance,” said Mr Redij. He further added, “The government in a recent meeting with schools had mentioned that as it would not be releasing any grants for installing the cameras, schools should approach the local MLA and counselors to bear the expenses from the funds allotted to them.”
The average cost of installing CCTV cameras in a school can be in the range of Rs 50,000- Rs 2 lakh depending on the size of the school and the campus. “Our association is willing to help schools who do not have the funds to install the cameras. We also welcome NGOs and corporates to do the same,” said Mr Redij.
