Uncertainty looms over installation of CCTV cameras in Odisha schools

Bhubaneswar: It seems that the State government is not sure about installation of CCTV cameras at schools prior to the High School Certificate (HSC) examinations this academic year. If the statements of Odisha School and Mass Education Minister Badri Narayan Patra are something to go by, the CCTV cameras might not be installed in schools due to lack of funds.

Unlike colleges, there is no provision for a special fund for schools. Therefore, it becomes difficult for schools to set up CCTV cameras on premises whereas colleges have special funds which they can utilise, the minister said.

“The board will consider whether it has enough funds for 3,000 examination centres. If there is any fund crunch, sensitive centres will be chosen for installation of CCTV cameras,” said Jahan Ara Begum, president of the Board of Secondary Education, Odisha.

Earlier, the State government had stated that CCTV cameras will be installed at all matric and Plus-II examination centres to check malpractice.

Meanwhile, educationists opined that the State government can send a proposal to the Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyaan (RMSA) for CCTV installation at exam centres.

“The government can submit a proposal to the RMSA to set up spacious examination hall and install CCTV cameras. There is no need for the board to spend money as RMSA fund can be utilised for the same,” said academician Satyakam Mishra.