Karnataka makes CCTV mandatory in all colleges and universities to boost campus safety

The Karnataka Department of Higher Education has directed all higher education institutions, including private and public universities, government colleges, and polytechnics, to install CCTV cameras across their campuses.

According to an official circular, the rule aims to expand surveillance measures to enhance student safety.

While engineering colleges were already covered under earlier guidelines, this new mandate brings all degree and diploma institutions under its purview.

The move is intended to deter issues such as ragging, drug abuse, and sexual harassment by improving monitoring across campuses.

Officials said enhanced surveillance will help maintain discipline and accountability.

“All higher education institutions have been instructed to ensure the prompt installation of functioning CCTV systems in key areas,” an official said.

Colleges and universities that have already implemented surveillance must submit updated reports confirming the status of their systems to the Department of Collegiate Education by July 21.

Institutions that fail to comply may face administrative scrutiny, officials added.