Molestation fallout: MCD to install CCTVs in schools to monitor teachers

The Municipal Corporation of Delhi, as pilot project, has decided to install closed circuit television cameras (CCTVs) in some of its schools. The move comes a day after parents of a nine-year-old girl protested against her molestation by her teacher. Neelam Pandey reports.

The Municipal Corporation of Delhi, as pilot project, has decided to install closed circuit television cameras (CCTVs) in some of its schools. The move comes a day after parents of a nine-year-old girl protested against her molestation by her teacher.

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According to the MCD, the objective of the project is to prevent any such incidents in the future. Also, it will help keep a tab on the performance of the schools' teaching and other staff.

"The presence of teachers in the classroom is not sufficient. They need to teach too. Many a times they just sit in the class and do their personal work. The CCTV camera will be able to monitor all their activities," said Mahender Nagpal, chairman of MCD's education committee.

The idea of installing CCTVs was discussed in an education meeting held on Tuesday.

"These cameras will be installed on a trial basis in 50-odd schools for a period of six months. We will start the project in the schools from where we have received complaints in the past," Nagpal said. Schools that have more than 2,000 students will also be considered for the project, said Nagpal.

According to the MCD, the CCTVs will be monitored from the principal's office.

"The education director, chairman of education committee and the commissioner will also be linked to it through internet. We will be able to monitor what is happening inside these schools," said a senior MCD official.

The civic agency currently runs 1,746 primary schools that have nearly 9.5 lakh children studying in them.