CCTV sparks fresh row at EFLU
English and Foreign Languages University (EFLU) administration’s attempt to install additional surveillance cameras in the campus has evoked strong opposition from the student community.
Hyderabad: English and Foreign Languages University (EFLU) administration’s attempt to install additional surveillance cameras in the campus has evoked strong opposition from the student community.
- Students miffed with EFLU officials over installation of CCTV cameras
- Want a dialogue with the management to end the impasse
- Move on hold after students submit memorandum to VC
EFLU students said that the administration had planned to install CCTV cameras in the Basheer Men’s Hostel and mess on Monday to keep an eye on them. With staunch opposition from about 300 students, the move has been kept in abeyance.
The students who took up signature campaign against the installation of cameras submitted a memorandum to the provost. They said that the university administration has to interact with the students by calling for a general body meeting before a decision is taken.
Students lament that that university officials are trying to curb their freedom in the campus by installing many CCTV cameras. They alleged that repressive atmosphere in the campus was the root cause for the problems. They also said that despite series of protests from the student community, the administration was not ready for a dialogue with them and was taking unilateral decisions.
A student, on condition of anonymity, said that with the aftermath of the student’s rape in the campus, the varsity officials are trying to place surveillance cameras unleashing repression in the name of security which was against the University Grants Commission guidelines.
“These surveillance cameras are used more as a surveillance mechanism to restrict and track the movements of students and target the active students than as a mechanism for safety and security,” a research scholar alleged. Students lamented that hostels in the campus do not have basic necessities.
“Hostels in the campus are ill equipped. We do not have proper drinking water facility and sanitation. On the other hand, from the past six years, we do not have internet facility in all the hostels. We gave a representation several times over providing basic amenities. But the administration paid no heed citing grant crunch. How come now they have money to install cameras?” questioned a student.
Saurav (name changed) said that representations were made earlier too to remove surveillance cameras in the university. “Surveillance is not security. The university administration has to initiate a dialogue with students to solve the problem in a democratic way,” he opined.
The university officials remained unavailable for a comment over the issue.
