Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) has undertaken a significant step towards enhancing the safety and security of students in its municipal schools.

In light of rising concerns about incidents of sexual abuse and other security threats in educational institutions, the municipal administration, in collaboration with its electrical department, conducted a thorough survey of 88 school buildings. The results have revealed the urgent need for the installation of an additional 261 CCTV cameras in 105 of the city’s schools.

The Pimpri-Chinchwad region is home to 88 municipal school buildings, which accommodate 105 primary and 18 secondary schools. These schools serve a student population of around 45,000.

While many schools currently have CCTV systems in place, the survey found that these systems are both inadequate and non-functional in many instances.

Specifically, it was discovered that some schools only had three or four cameras, with one placed in the principal’s office and the others in the playground and verandas. Unfortunately, many of these cameras are not operational, leaving large sections of the school premises unmonitored.

The survey highlighted that there is a pressing need for more extensive surveillance, particularly in vulnerable areas such as near the girls' washrooms, where incidents could go unnoticed without adequate monitoring.

The survey, conducted by the electrical department, has found that additional cameras need to be installed at 261 locations to ensure comprehensive coverage of school premises.

Currently, 581 CCTV cameras are operational in various municipal schools, but the addition of 261 more would strengthen the overall security system. With these installations, PCMC aims to keep a closer watch on student and staff activities, addressing any suspicious behavior immediately.

Vijay Thorat, Assistant Commissioner of the Education Department at PCMC, stressed the importance of enhancing surveillance systems in municipal schools to safeguard students. He expressed confidence that the installation of these additional cameras would ensure better security and help monitor activities more effectively.

Sanjay Khabde, Assistant City Engineer from the Electrical Department, informed that the survey findings had been shared with the education department and that a tender process would soon be initiated to start the installation work.

This proactive approach by the PCMC is expected to significantly improve the safety measures in its schools, ensuring a safer learning environment for thousands of students.