The Tripura High Court recently heard a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking directions to ensure safety and security measures in schools across the state.
The petitioner-in-person submitted that many schools in Tripura lack basic safety features, including CCTV cameras.
The respondent-state filed an additional counter-affidavit, stating that out of 4,905 schools in eight districts, only 218 schools have CCTV cameras installed.
The state also informed the court that guidelines on school safety and security have been shared with District Education Officers and school management under the New Education Policy, 2020.
The Government Advocate assured the court that the state is in the process of installing CCTV cameras in schools in a phased manner.
However, he clarified that privately managed schools have been issued guidelines as per the National Education Policy, 2020, and deliberations will be held with state officials on the issue of installing CCTV cameras in these schools.
The Division Bench of Chief Justice Aparesh Kumar Singh and Justice Biswajit Palit has directed the matter to be listed on February 6, 2025, and has asked the petitioner-in-person to come prepared on the issues involved.
The Advocate General has also assured the court that the matter will be taken up with the competent authority under the state.