Private firms to guard university students
Pune University will soon float tenders inviting private agencies for ‘special security’ services, ie, to ensure the safety of its 14,000 students, many of whom live on its campus.
Pune University will soon float tenders inviting private agencies for ‘special security’ services, ie, to ensure the safety of its 14,000 students, many of whom live on its campus.
If you plan to visit the university, expect more security men, metal detectors, more security chowkies, vehicle restrictions and closed-circuit cameras.
As of now, the university has 145 guards looking after the 441-acre campus, with cameras at the International Students Centre (ISC) only.
“About 2,000 foreign students study on campus full-time, and have been allotted hostel accommodation. Our university supports almost 70 per cent of foreign students studying in Pune; their security is a concern,” said Dr A.D. Adsool, vice-chancellor.
The plan will be first implemented in “sensitive support areas”, such as the ISC, the ladies’ hostels and foreign students’ hostels.
“We have already taken some security support measures. We have asked students not to allow friends and relatives in their hostel rooms,” said Dr Vasudha Garde, ISC director.
Immediately after Saturday’s blast, 50 coordinators — students of different nationalities — were appointed to seek out those who needed help. “Two of our Sudanese students are still in critical condition. We are ensuring their parents and friends have a support system here,” said Garde.
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