JNU Initiates Survey to Deploy CCTV Cameras to Monitor ‘Anti-National’ Graffiti
New Delhi – In a proactive move, the administration of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) has announced plans to conduct a comprehensive campus survey aimed at identifying strategic locations for the installation of closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras. The primary objective is to address the recurring issue of “anti-national” slogans being defaced on walls across the university premises.
This decision comes in the wake of a recent incident involving the vandalization of walls with slogans such as “Free Kashmir” and “Bhagwa Jalega” at the School of Languages. The incident, brought to light following a formal complaint by the RSS-affiliated Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad, has sparked concern among the university’s stakeholders.
While the move is intended to enhance security on campus, it has faced opposition from the JNU Student Union (JNUSU), which asserts that it infringes upon students’ privacy rights. The administration, however, maintains that such measures are necessary to safeguard the university’s environment.
Professor Satish Chandra Garkoti, the rector of JNU, expressed the institution’s commitment to addressing the issue diligently. “We have received the report from the chief security officer regarding Sunday’s incident. Based on this report, we will identify potential locations across our vast campus for CCTV camera installations. Additionally, we will explore other viable measures,” Prof. Garkoti stated.
He acknowledged concerns that students may sometimes be involved in such incidents, emphasizing the need for careful consideration before taking action. However, he assured that the administration views the matter with utmost seriousness and will take comprehensive steps to tackle the problem.
To facilitate decision-making, a committee comprising both administrative and technical staff is being formed. This committee will evaluate and recommend actions to curb such incidents within the university.
It is worth noting that this is not the first instance of JNU’s administration proposing the installation of CCTV cameras. In December of the previous year, the university had issued directives to all schools and centers on campus to implement such surveillance systems.
The move aims to strike a balance between security concerns and students’ privacy rights, amidst an ongoing dialogue on the matter. The JNU administration remains committed to maintaining a conducive educational environment while addressing the security challenges it faces.
