In a decisive move to enhance student safety, the Karnataka Department of Higher Education has made it compulsory for all public and private colleges to install CCTV surveillance systems. This mandate applies to universities, government and aided colleges, as well as polytechnic institutions across the state.
This latest directive, issued via an official circular, expands upon an earlier policy that required CCTV coverage only in engineering colleges. Now, the regulation is extended to all higher education institutions under the state’s jurisdiction.
The primary aim of the initiative is to deter and monitor incidents of ragging, drug abuse, sexual harassment, and other misconduct on campuses. Officials believe that surveillance will promote a secure and accountable atmosphere in educational settings.
College and university principals have been instructed to ensure immediate installation and functionality of CCTV units. Institutions that already have surveillance systems must submit a compliance report detailing their operational status to the Department of Collegiate Education no later than July 21.
Authorities emphasize that this step is not just about monitoring but also about prevention—creating an environment where students feel safe and inappropriate behaviour can be swiftly addressed.
The government sees this as part of a broader strategy to enforce discipline and boost the quality of campus life for students across Karnataka.