School instructors and administrators in Maharashtra are opposing a recent government directive to install CCTV cameras in every classroom. They describe the decision as financially unfeasible and an expression of distrust in teachers.
The directive was issued to prevent exam malpractice during the upcoming Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) and Secondary School Certificate (SSC) examinations. Local education officers in districts asked exam center directors to ensure that CCTV systems are in place across the school, including classrooms.
Schools were also required to submit written undertakings confirming compliance. These undertakings included assurances that video recordings would be stored and made available to the divisional board when needed.
Schools were also instructed to maintain constant monitoring during exams by maintaining a power backup system, like a generator or inverter.
In response, teachers have expressed doubts about the feasibility of this move. It was pointed out that a classroom typically accommodates 25 to 30 students, making it difficult to cover every classroom with CCTV cameras. Teachers have claimed that covering thousands of students across multiple classrooms with surveillance cameras was simply not practical.
In a report by Indian Express, Sharad Gosavi, chairperson of the Maharashtra State Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education, clarified that installing CCTV in classrooms is not yet mandatory. He said schools are being encouraged to gradually implement CCTV surveillance in all classrooms but are not currently required to do so.
Teachers noted that existing safety rules already require CCTV surveillance in critical areas of school premises. Teachers claim that this requirement has already become a financial strain for some schools, as they have not received any government funding for it.