Biometric, CCTVs to be installed in Jr, degree colleges

Hyderabad: After directing universities in the State to install biometric system and CCTVs in campuses, the government has decided to replicate the same across Intermediate and degree colleges in Telangana.

By introducing the biometric system and video surveillance system, the government wants to checkmate students and lecturers who have been evading classes.

Telangana Deputy Chief Minister and Education Minister Kadiyam Srihari, during a review meeting convened with the heads of the department of higher education, directed the officials to complete the process of installation of the systems by the end of December.

The government intends to link the biometric system to fee reimbursement. Henceforth, students who have 75 per cent attendance would be eligible for fee reimbursement. The system will also keep the lecturers in check who have been evading classes for unknown reasons and also private colleges which give free hand to students for not attending the classes.

However officials are concerned over source of funds to install the systems. Government Junior Colleges Lecturers Association President, Dr P Madhusudhan Reddy, while opposing the move urged the government to provide basic facilities in government junior colleges in the first place.

He said the new move would create a rift between lecturers and the government.“Because of free education, there was as surge in admissions in junior colleges.

As most of the students studying in government colleges are also breadwinners at their homes, they may not become eligible to appear for exams because of lack of attendance as they will be away from classes for work. About 20,000 to 30,000 students may be affected by this,” he felt.

By:Yuvraj Akula