VASCO
Amid a wave of criticism and mounting concerns over student safety following a series of tragic deaths of students on its campus, the Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS), Pilani, had already installed nearly 600 CCTV cameras across its sprawling campus, including hostel corridors and common areas.
Enhanced surveillance
According to sources from within the BITS Pilani management, the institute had undertaken a major step towards enhancing surveillance by installing around 600 CCTV cameras across the campus.
With over 4,500 students and 22 hostels, the scale of the project was substantial.
“Every hostel has three floors, and each floor has four corners. We have placed cameras across these points to ensure complete coverage. Earlier, we only had cameras at the gates of the hostels. Now, every hostel corridor and common space is under round-the-clock surveillance,” the official added.
Interestingly, the management clarified that discussions to introduce CCTV cameras inside hostel premises had been in progress long before the series of student deaths triggered heightened scrutiny.“ We had been considering the move much earlier, but some students had objected, citing privacy and other concerns. Since we wanted to involve student opinions, the process took time,” the source explained.
The turning point
However, the death of a student in December acted as a turning point, accelerating the decision-making process.
“When that tragedy struck, we were keen to expedite the work. We began installing the cameras in March, but with examinations underway, we had to defer the works temporarily. We finally resumed the project during the summer vacations and ensured its completion,” the source revealed.
The installation covers not only hostels but also other parts of the campus, strengthening overall security infrastructure. The move is seen as both a preventive measure and a reassurance to anxious parents and guardians concerned about their children’s safety.
Safety top priority
The management, on its part, maintains that the safety and welfare of students remain its top priority.
“We understand the concerns of families and well-wishers. This initiative is not just about surveillance but also about creating a safer and more accountable environment for everyone,” the official stressed.
With the new surveillance system now in place, the institute hopes to prevent untoward incidents, assist in investigations when required, and restore confidence among stakeholders.
Deaths continue to cast shadow
However, the deaths continue to cast a shadow, especially since two more deaths have taken place in the campus after the CCTV cameras were installed.
Many believe that technology alone may not be enough unless accompanied by strong student support systems, awareness programmes, and strict enforcement of campus discipline.
As investigations into the deaths proceed, all eyes remain on BITS Pilani to see how the premier institution addresses the larger issues of student safety, mental health, and drug abuse, even as it reinforces security through technological measures like CCTV cameras.
Police officials review layout and security at BITS campus
VASCO: The heightened vigilance at BITS Pilani has also led to senior police officials personally reviewing the campus layout and security mechanisms.
Teams of top police officials visited the campus and met institute officials, interacted with security personnel, and advised them on strengthening checks at all entry and exit points.
“The police teams have been coming to the BITS Pilani campus and trying to understand the entire campus and the layout of hostels. A delegation comprising DIG Varsha Sharma, SP South Tikam Singh Verma and other top officials have visited the campus and met the officials and even advised their security officers on the checking of parcels,” said the source.
