The latest challenge for schools seems to be protecting the CCTV cameras installed to keep children safe.
One of the three CCTV cameras installed at Gidadakonenahalli government higher primary school, near Magadi Main Road, was stolen on October 21 when the school was closed for Deepavali holidays. Although the CCTV camera has captured images of the culprits and a complaint was registered at Jnanabharati Police Station, police are yet to act.
C. Vasantha Kumari, head master of the school which has around 170 children from classes one to seven, said that cameras were installed after cases of sexual assault were reported in other parts of the city. “With great difficulty, we managed to install three cameras outside the school building after procuring funds from donors. But one camera, which was installed to keep track of visitors, has been stolen,” she said.
Block Education Officer North Range 1 M. Gopalkrishna, under whose jurisdiction the school falls, said, “With the department all set to install CCTV cameras in government schools, we should first think of how this equipment can be protected. What can we do when the camera meant to protect children itself is stolen?”
The government has invited tenders to install CCTV cameras in some of the schools where the number of girl students is more than 200 each.
