CCTV focus on campus - Move to 'discipline' Ranchi University staff

Ranchi University is not that camera-shy, after all.

It may have banned media cameras, but is not averse to the other third eye on the campus — CCTV cameras.

In a bid to inculcate sense of responsibility and decorum among its employees — perhaps also to discipline unruly students — the university has decided to introduce electronic surveillance on the premises. In the first phase, it will install CCTV cameras at every nook and corner of the administrative building like the main entrance gate, examination control wing, central library and e-learning centre.

The varsity floated tender on Wednesday, inviting bids from suitable agencies. Bids can be submitted till the end of this month.

The development comes a day after posters and directives announcing “Restricted Area” and “Photography Prohibited” sprung up all around the administrative building to keep Press and TV cameras at bay.

The authorities even justified the media censorship, saying students’ union leaders got more violent during campus agitation when they see media cameras.

As for the CCTVs, pro-vice chancellor V.P. Sharan said the initiative was taken to step up vigil on activities. “We keep hearing about delay in issuing certificates, registration et al. I am not saying the employees are not working. Some delays are genuine. But it is also true that many don’t take their work seriously. With the cameras hanging over their heads, we may be able to address the problems,” said Sharan.

The other purpose is to keep a tab on those frequenting the premises so that adequate precautions can be taken on time.

“Cameras will keep us updated about what’s happening at the library, e-class section et al. Both the facilities are a few kilometres away from the main administrative building but with electronic monitoring, we will be able to keep an eye on them from a common point,” said Sharan.

The cameras will be monitored from the vice chancellor, pro-vice chancellor and registrar’s offices.

However, the exact expenditure is yet to be chalked out as it will depend on the quotations submitted by the bidders. “After we get the price quotes through bidding, we will know the exact expenses and the number amount of cameras that need to be fitted,” Sharan said.

In another development, the varsity has increased the seats in MPhil across all disciplines from 20 to 40.

“MPhil forms will be available from October 1. Those who passed in 2012 can also apply,” Sharan added.