Controversy-dogged Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) in Ranchi has taken the first positive step to resurrect its campus image almost a month after classes were adjourned sine die at the cradle in a ragging and violence follow-up.

The RIMS management has installed surveillance cameras in two of the seven boys' hostels, where the shameful incidents were staged in the recent past, and hired more than a dozen security guards to keep outsiders at bay. While three closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras have been fixed at hostel No. 5, one has been put up at hostel No. 4.

Administrative sources said two of the cameras at hostel No. 5 had been positioned in a way to capture activities at hostels 6 and 7 too. 'Starting from the main gate and parking areas to hostel premises, all activities will be monitored. The third camera there will exclusively monitor hostel No. 5 ,' one of them said.

Acting director of RIMS S.K. Choudhary said since security was a major concern before classes resumed at the medical college after Holi, they had started taking the measures a week ago. The surveillance cameras were connected to the control unit at the director's chamber on Monday.

'At present, four cameras have been installed. Soon, we will get some more. Fourteen guards have also been deployed, two at each of the seven hostels. We are determined to ensure safety of students,' Choudhary added.

Sources said that the four cameras had been installed at a cost of Rs 25,000 after the RIMS's administrative wing loosened its purse strings.

'A standard CCTV camera is available for Rs 5,000. Had the RIMS administration sincerely wanted to keep tabs on hooliganism on campus, it could have easily installed surveillance devices at its own cost. But, no one ever bothered before (ruckus on campus attracted media attention),' said a senior doctor, referring to the January 30 ragging and February 4 violence in hostels.

On whether RIMS would also perk up hostel amenities in adherence to Ranchi Municipal Corporation's 13-point guide, acting director Choudhary said: ' Dhire dhire sab hoga. Abhi aur mat puchhiye (Everything will happen, but gradually. Do not ask more questions).'