Tripura’s government has taken a significant step towards enhancing student safety by mandating the installation of CCTV cameras in all private schools across the state. The directive, revealed in an affidavit presented to the Tripura High Court on May 8, 2025, during a hearing on a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) concerning school safety, aims to ensure the well-being of students within educational institutions.
According to the affidavit, schools are required to place CCTV cameras at entry and exit points, as well as in other key areas of their campuses. While most of the 484 private schools in Tripura have complied with the directive, 37 schools cited financial constraints but assured authorities that installation would be completed soon.
The PIL was filed by advocate Kundan Pandey, with Senior Advocate Somik Deb acting as Amicus Curiae. The state is being represented by Advocate General Shaktimoy Chakraborty and Pinki Chakraborty. During a meeting held on April 28 at Nazrul Kalakhetra in Agartala, school representatives were briefed on additional requirements, including clean drinking water facilities, separate toilets for boys and girls, and anti-drug measures.
While the state reported that all private schools now have functional toilets and drinking water facilities, only 334 out of 484 schools attended the April meeting. Officials have been directed to follow up with the 116 schools that were absent. District-wise data revealed varying levels of compliance, with some districts achieving full compliance while others, such as South Tripura and North Tripura, are still lagging behind.
A government memorandum issued on April 7 instructed District Education Officers not to recommend non-compliant schools for recognition or upgrades. It also warned that such schools risk having their recognition withdrawn and their UDISE codes cancelled. For government-run schools, the state reported that out of 4,220 institutions, 610 have been repaired and 178 are scheduled for renovation using Samagra Shiksha funds once released.
The High Court has scheduled the next hearing for the second week of August 2025, by which time the state must submit an updated status report covering private, aided, and government schools. This initiative underscores the government’s commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of students in educational institutions across Tripura.
