CCTV mandatory in schools, buses

The City police on Saturday issued guidelines which made it mandatory for managements to install CCTV cameras and GPS device in school buses and appoint floor vigilance officers (FVOs) to ensure safety of students. 

The police set August 31 as the deadline for implementation.

The police released nine guidelines in the wake of bitter criticism over handling of the rape of a six-year-old girl by a skating instructor in Vibgyor High at Marathahalli in the City on July 2.Releasing the guidelines, City Police Commissioner M N Reddi said: “We will initiate action under IPC section 188 (disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servant) if the schools, including pre-nursery, nursery and primary, fail to comply with the guidelines.”  

He said the deadline is August 14 for Vibgyor High. “The management of Vibgyor High has claimed that many of the guidelines are already in place and has promised to implement others by August 14,” the commissioner said.

He said specific directions have been given to Vibgyor High. The management has been directed to appoint three FVOs, repair defunct CCTV cameras, install additional cameras and appoint 97 security personnel.

According to the new guidelines, the buses or other vehicles owned by private players and operated for schools must have Global Positioning System (GPS) device and Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras. Such vehicles should not ferry more number of students than that prescribed by the Transport Department. 

The managements should verify driving licences of drivers and get more information about their antecedents from the police. A male and a woman staff should accompany students till they reach their doorsteps. CCTV cameras should be installed in the schools, too. 

Floor vigilance officers

Another important guideline is the mandatory appointment of FVO for every floor, including ground floor and top floor. The guideline is important as it is alleged that the girl was raped in a dark room by the skating instructor at Vibgyor High. 

“If possible, a woman or senior woman staff should be appointed as FVO. A glass cabin should be set up for them so that they could monitor activities taking place in all directions. The FVO should monitor movement of suspicious persons and take action,” the guidelines said.

Emergency contact

Henceforth, parents should give a specific cellphone number for contacting during emergencies. The teacher should respond only to calls or messages originating from such numbers.

Reddi said the rules have been issued under Sections 65 (D) and 70 of Karnataka Police Act which provide the commissioner with special powers to issue them. 

Sources said the police may not insist on government schools to implement the guidelines as they may not have the necessary resources. “They will require a lot of clearances from the government, which is a time-consuming process,” said a senior police officer. 

It was not immediately known as to what the private schools will do. It is expected to be a major burden on the managements and they might pass it on to the students.