In a significant move to bolster the safety and security of students, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has amended Chapter 4 of its Affiliation Bye-Laws, 2018, making it mandatory for all affiliated schools to install Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras across their campuses. This directive aligns with the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) manual on the safety and security of children in schools.
As per the revised guidelines, schools are required to install high-resolution CCTV cameras with audio-visual recording at all critical locations. These include entry and exit gates, corridors, staircases, classrooms, laboratories, libraries, canteens, storerooms, playgrounds, and other shared spaces. Notably, toilets and washrooms are excluded from surveillance to maintain privacy.
The new clause mandates that the CCTV systems must have a storage device capable of preserving footage for a minimum of 15 days. “These CCTV Cameras must be equipped with a storage device with the capacity of holding footage of at least 15 days. It shall be ensured that a backup of a minimum 15 days be preserved, which may be accessed by the authorities, if required,” the CBSE notice stated.
The Board emphasized that school safety involves more than just physical protection—it encompasses shielding children from violence, abuse, accidents, disasters, and emotional harm from the time they leave home until they return. The NCPCR manual underlines that bullying, harassment, and other forms of distress often go unnoticed, making preventive surveillance crucial.
The CBSE also highlighted that ensuring safety is a shared responsibility among all members of the school community, including teaching and non-teaching staff, students, and visitors. The use of technology, combined with vigilance and proactive staff behavior, can effectively address most safety risks.
All CBSE-affiliated schools have been directed to comply with the revised clause without exception. The Board has made it clear that failure to implement these safety measures could result in consequences affecting the school’s affiliation status.
With this step, CBSE aims to create a safer and more secure learning environment, where children can thrive without fear, and parents can feel confident about their well-being during school hours, for complete guidelines CLICK HERE
