Pune: In a significant step to enhance the safety of school students, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has approved the installation of CCTV cameras in its municipal schools. As part of the first phase of this initiative, CCTV systems will be implemented in 80 girls’ schools, with an approved budget of ₹3.79 crore sanctioned by the Estimate Committee.

This decision comes in response to a rising number of incidents involving the safety and security of girl students in schools across the state in recent years. The PMC oversees around 300 schools in the city, catering to more than 1.25 lakh students. The initiative includes schools located in the older city limits as well as those in the 32 newly added villages.

A joint survey conducted by the PMC’s Electrical and Education Departments evaluated the infrastructure of these schools, considering factors such as the number of classrooms, floors, open spaces, and entry points. Based on the survey, the total cost of installing CCTV cameras across all 300 schools was estimated at ₹17 crore.

Due to budgetary constraints, the PMC has decided to implement the project in phases. The initial ₹3.79 crore allocation will be used to cover 80 girls’ schools, while the remaining schools will be included in the 2024-25 municipal budget.

“This initiative aims to create a safer learning environment for students, particularly girls. The approved funds will allow us to equip 80 schools with CCTV cameras in the first phase. The remaining schools will be covered in the next financial year,” said Manisha Shekatkar, Head of the Electrical Department.