Sun Jun 01 14:24:38 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a news article summarizing the provided text:
**The Hindu: Karnataka Engineering Colleges Ordered to Increase Surveillance to Combat Anti-Social Behavior**
**Bengaluru, June 1, 2025:** Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU) has mandated all engineering colleges affiliated with it to bolster their campus security with increased CCTV surveillance. The order, prompted by a directive from the Higher Education Department, aims to curtail incidents of drug use, ragging, sexual harassment, and other anti-social activities within college grounds.
The VTU’s directive includes instructions for colleges to regularly monitor CCTV footage and conduct seminars educating students about the repercussions of engaging in prohibited behaviors. Colleges are also required to appoint counselors and erect prominent display boards warning against drug use, alcohol consumption, tobacco use, ragging, and sexual harassment.
“In the case of finding such activities, colleges must take stringent action and a report must be submitted to the office of the undersigned,” stated B.E. Rangaswamy, Registrar (Administration) of VTU. He clarified that while many colleges already have CCTV systems, the new order focuses on installing cameras in prominent locations and establishing dedicated monitoring teams.
A principal of a government engineering college confirmed their commitment to following the government’s directive, stating that additional cameras will be installed, including at the college’s main gate, for the safety of students.
However, the move has drawn mixed reactions from students. While acknowledging the potential for increased transparency and safety, some express concerns about the ethical implications of constant monitoring and the potential violation of student privacy.
“CCTV installation in prominent places of the campus is right from the perspective of transparency and safety. But monitoring every movement of students is unethical,” said Tejas, a student from a private engineering college in Bengaluru. “Legal action should be taken against those who engage in immoral activities. However, it should not violate the privacy of students. So, the college managements should discuss with the students before installing CCTVs on the college campus.”
The VTU’s move marks a significant step towards addressing anti-social behavior on campuses, but it remains to be seen how colleges will balance security concerns with the rights and privacy of their students.
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