JNU campus: Admin, students lock horns over CCTVs
It all began on March 27 when the administration began installing CCTV cameras in the JNU hostel premises.
New Delhi: The students of Jawaharlal Nehru University seem to have locked horns with the administration yet again, but this time it’s over installation of CCTV cameras in the premises.
While the administration feels that the surveillance mechanism should be put in place in wake of student’s security, the students are still stubborn in quashing the move, citing privacy concerns which would be at stake.
It all began on March 27 when the administration began installing CCTV cameras in the JNU hostel premises. Soon, the move was exposed when a group of students noticed the work in progress and on questioning, learnt that the administration has directed the workers to install the cameras. Taking a strong objection of the move, the students unanimously voiced their outrage and condemned the move stating that installing cameras on campus will be invasion of right to privacy. However, cameras are already installed at the administration block and the main gate. When administration allegedly tried reasoning with the agitated students, the students said that despite cameras being in place at university’s main gate, one of the students, Najeeb, still went missing. During probe, the CCTV cameras were found dysfunctional. They also asked how the surveillance mechanism would ensure students’ safety inside the hostels. The administration stated that it is imperative to have CCTV cameras for the security and safety of the students. Non-installation of the cameras will lead to the contempt of court.
Following the move, Brahmaputra hostel in JNU was the first to hold a general body meeting in the wake of this issue and removed the cameras and electrical wiring on Friday. Taking a cue from Brahmaputra hostel, other hostels like Shipra and Godavari joined the movement and held the GBM separately to pass a resolution against the same.
“The corrupt administration didn’t call for a single Inter Hall Administration meeting in the past one year. Who is taking the decisions,” said JNUSU general secretary Shatrupa Chakarborty said.