Mangaluru, December 03: The government had passed a circular to schools directing them to install CC cameras compulsorily before November 30th.
So far, not even one among 10 schools in the district has installed it in their classrooms. This step was initiated following the incidents involving sexual assault on children.
The Education Department report shows negligible progress. While one-third of private, unaided schools in the district have managed to install cameras, the number is negligible in aided schools (just 33 out of 222 schools) and government schools (four out of 954 schools).
The officials revealed that, private and aided schools have been asked to request their alumni network or seek donors to sponsor; while, government schools are waiting for an action plan from the Education Department.
Deputy Director of Public Instruction Mangaluru said, “Private schools will have to use the funds they have accumulated over the years. For government schools, we have asked the State government for funding as they can’t afford it”. An education official in Belthangady said private security companies are struggling to meet the sudden demand for CCTV systems.
Funding issue: Although schools have been instructed not to raise funds from students, there are a few complaints regarding this. Among the complaints is of Bethany Pre-Primary School in Kalpady near Mulki, which had sent a letter to the parents asking them to pay Rs. 300 each for the cameras. The school estimates that Rs. 55,000 is needed to install cameras in each of the 10 classrooms. Possessing a copy of the letter, Democratic Youth Federation of India lodged an official complaint with the Mangalore North Block Education Office, which has told the school there was “no reason” to collect additional fees.
A school Headmistress has revealed that, the parents were consulted regarding this matter and later it was decided to take their aid. It was stated that it was difficult for the school to meet this expense. Since the Educational Department is reminding us again to install it sooner, we have requested parents to donate funds. Parents are not forced for the donation she said.
