The Hindu : Front Page : Thefts hinder school IT programme

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Thursday, Jan 24, 2008
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Thefts hinder school IT programme

S. Ramesh

Computers go missing from schools
Poor security to be blamed

NAMAKKAL: A series of burglaries in government schools in the region has sparked criticism about poor security in schools. Computers worth lakhs of rupees were supplied to a number of government higher secondary schools in the district recently.

Four laptop computers from GHSSs in Jedarpalayam, Kokkarayanpet, Vaiyappamalai and Paramathi Velur were stolen in the last four months.

A computer and printer kept in the headmaster’s room of the Manickampalayam GHSS were found missing. Burglars broke open the Elachiapalaym block resource centre and stole computers, a television set and other valuables. This comes at a time when the government is implementing an ambitious programme to provide desktop computers and laptops to schools to help students.

The laptops, each worth about Rs. 50,000, were given to the headmasters for quick communication with the Directorate of School Education.

The burglaries are cause for concern and if the trend continues, it will defeat the purpose of the government’s programme, a senior academician told The Hindu.

Computers are kept in laboratories which do not have sufficient security provision to prevent theft. Many government schools do not have a night watchman. Though a few schools have employed night watchmen through Parent Teacher Associations, they are generally senior citizens who can do little to prevent thefts, academicians point out.

The district school education department has registered complaints. Teachers suggest that schools be provided with proper lighting and security devices such as alarms. The police should intensify night patrolling in school zones, they add.

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