In a major step towards bolstering student safety, the Tripura government has directed all private schools in the state to install CCTV cameras across key locations on campus. The move was disclosed in an affidavit submitted to the Tripura High Court on May 8 during a hearing on a PIL concerning school safety. According to the affidavit, CCTV installation is mandatory at entry and exit points and other crucial spots. Out of 484 private schools, most have complied, while 37 schools have cited financial constraints but assured completion soon.
The PIL was filed by advocate Kundan Pandey, with the state represented by Advocate General Shaktimoy Chakraborty. The division bench, led by Chief Justice Aparesh Kumar Singh and Justice Biswajit Palit, reviewed progress on multiple fronts including sanitation, water facilities, and anti-drug measures. The government confirmed that all private schools now have functional toilets and clean drinking water. However, only 334 schools attended a key briefing meeting on April 28 in Agartala. Officials have been tasked with following up with the remaining 116.
A memo issued on April 7 warns non-compliant schools of derecognition and UDISE code cancellation. The next hearing is set for August, with the state to provide an updated report on private and government school compliance.
