Kolkata: In a significant step toward overhauling the security framework at Jadavpur University, the State Education Department has submitted a comprehensive compliance report to the Calcutta High Court detailing fresh measures including installation of 70 CCTV units, deployment of ex-servicemen as security guards and a full-scale audit by Kolkata Police across both the main and Salt Lake campuses.
According to the report, the proposal titled “Supply, Installation, Testing and Commissioning of CCTV Surveillance System at Main Campus and Salt Lake Campus of Jadavpur University”, comprising 70 CCTV cameras at an estimated cost of ₹68,62,663, has received full approval. The Finance Department has also accorded expenditure clearance following an interdepartmental meeting.
Alongside electronic surveillance, the university had requested additional manpower to strengthen on-ground security. The report confirms that the proposal for engaging 32 security personnel from among ex-servicemen, as recommended by the University’s Executive Council, has been accepted in principle. The Higher Education Department has now been directed to forward the proposal to the Finance Department for budgetary concurrence.
As part of the new security plan, the Kolkata Police (South Suburban Division) will conduct a comprehensive security audit of both campuses, including hostel areas. This will cover infrastructure gaps, vulnerable zones, lighting, access control and overall campus safety protocols.
The compliance report placed before the High Court states:
“The State Government affirms its joint and continued commitment to ensuring a secure, disciplined and conducive environment within the university premises.”
Background: High Court Intervention
The Calcutta High Court had, in August, directed the West Bengal Higher Education Department to file a detailed report on the necessity and manner of deploying security personnel inside the Jadavpur University campus. The court also sought updates on the steps taken by the State to release grants for installing CCTV infrastructure.
A Division Bench of Justice Sujoy Paul and Justice Smita Das De had asked the University to submit an affidavit outlining discussions, resolutions, and proposed locations for CCTV installation. The court further observed that the University must apply for the necessary grants within 15 days, and the State must respond with its report on security deployment and funding.
Trigger: March PIL Seeking Security Measures
In March, a public interest litigation (PIL) was filed before the Division Bench of Chief Justice T.S. Sivagnanam and Justice Chaitali Chatterjee Dutta by Advocate Soham Das. The petition sought installation of adequate CCTV cameras, setting up of police pickets, and curbs on large gatherings inside and outside the campus.
The PIL followed a series of incidents on March 1, when a group of students demanding campus elections climbed onto the vehicle of Education Minister Bratya Basu during his visit to the campus. While leaving, the minister’s car hit a student, escalating tensions and raising questions about campus safety.
Subsequently, on March 12, the Kolkata Police requested space within the Jadavpur University campus to set up a permanent police outpost and barracks to maintain law and order—an appeal that further contributed to the ongoing scrutiny of campus security arrangements.
What’s Next
With funding approvals and procedural clearances in place, Jadavpur University is expected to begin the installation of the CCTV network and the recruitment of ex-servicemen security staff soon. The Kolkata Police audit will guide any additional measures required to ensure a safer and more disciplined academic environment.
The High Court will review the compliance report in the upcoming hearings.
