Agaratla: The Tripura government has directed all privately managed schools of the state to install closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras at entrance, exit and vulnerable areas of the schools.
This order, applicable to all privately run educational institutions, aims to protect students and staff while enhancing accountability on school premises.
The Tripura government informed the High Court about the directive in an affidavit submitted on May 8, 2025, during a hearing for a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) on school safety.
The High Court division bench, comprising Chief Justice Aparesh Kumar Singh and Justice Biswajit Palit, was hearing the PIL filed by advocate Kundan Pandey.
Senior Advocate Somik Deb served as Amicus Curiae, and the state was represented by Advocate General Shaktimoy Chakraborty and Pinki Chakraborty.
The Education Department has set a strict deadline for schools to complete installations, cautioning that non-compliance will lead to severe penalties, including revocation of recognition.
The court was informed that 484 private schools across Tripura have followed the directive, while 37 schools cited financial constraints but assured authorities that installation would be completed soon.
The directive to install CCTV cameras is part of a broader initiative to modernize security infrastructure in educational institutions.
According to the directive, cameras must cover entry and exit gates, hallways, classrooms, and outdoor areas such as playgrounds. The footage must also be stored for a minimum of 30 days.
Education Minister Ratan Lal Nath said, “Safety of our children is non-negotiable. This decision is not aimed at surveillance for its own sake, but to ensure that schools remain secure and transparent places of learning.”
The government has also made it clear that the cost of installation will have to be borne by the institutions themselves.
ALSO READ: Tripura Youth Congress demands white paper on government job appointments
To aid implementation, the department has circulated technical guidelines specifying minimum camera quality, night vision capabilities, and data storage protocols.
The state government has given a 60-day timeframe for private schools to install CCTV systems. Following this period, inspection teams will visit schools to ensure compliance.
