Recently, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) issued a formal circular mandating the installation of high-definition CCTV cameras with real-time audio-visual recording in all CBSE-affiliated schools across key areas of the campus, excluding private spaces such as toilets and washrooms.
This initiative aims to prevent misconduct such as bullying or abuse and to ensure the physical, emotional, and psychological well-being of students.
The installation aligns with the guidelines of the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR), which mandate the regular monitoring and maintenance of CCTV systems in schools.
CCTV must be installed in the following areas:
- Entry and exit gates
- Lobbies, corridors, and staircases
- All classrooms, laboratories, and the library
- Common areas include the canteen, storeroom, playground, etc.
The footage must be stored for a minimum of 15 days, with an additional backup of the same duration. Schools are required to ensure continuous functionality, regular testing, and proper maintenance of the entire surveillance system. All infrastructure and equipment must remain operational at all times.
