Patna Women's College has installed closed-circuit television cameras all over campus to keep tabs on students, teachers and boost security.

Principal Sister Marie Jessie did not divulge how many CCTV cameras have been installed but said the decision was aimed at students' safety, and transparency in conducting classes. The surveillance equipment has been set up around the campus, including classrooms, corridors and staff rooms of the institution, a constituent college of Patna University.

"Students often bunk college while their parents think they are attending classes," Marie Jessie said. "These CCTV cameras will ensure that both the college authorities and parents know if the students are in college or not."

Patna University vice-chancellor Y.C. Simhadri appreciated the college administration's decision. He told The Telegraph on Friday that soon other colleges of the university will also have similar surveillance on campuses.

"The university has approved installation of CCTV cameras in different colleges. By the end of this academic session, all the departments, classes and corridors will be under surveillance," he added. "It is very important to maintain discipline and to develop a peaceful atmosphere in colleges."

An official at Patna Women's College said all the classes, staff rooms, libraries of each department and corridors have the CCTV cameras. "The cameras can help resolve arguments about bullying, and claims made against teachers. Teachers can also be monitored as the college authorities can keep tabs if teachers are in classrooms or not," said the official.

Students and their guardians appreciated the decision, while some called it an intrusion.

"The CCTV cameras will provide extra protection for both teachers and students if any harassment case come up," said Vidushi Singh, whose daughter studies in the BCom department of Patna Women's College. "Cameras would put a stop to that. At least, I know my daughter is studying in a safe and good environment."

A second-year arts student said: "The cameras are a good idea if they are used to monitor people coming in and out of campus, but they are an intrusive in classrooms. We need space and privacy in classrooms."

Another vocational student said installing CCTV cameras could be counted as both good and bad. "Teachers won't be able to pass any lewd comments on students or use double meaning words," she said. "We will receive good quality of education but then we won't be able to have fun in the classrooms."