Bhubaneswar: The state government has decided to install close circuit television cameras (CCTVs) at all the 7,000 SC/ST hostels in the state to ensure safety of the students.
ST/SC Development Minister Ramesh Chandra Majhi told media persons here Wednesday that CCTVs would be installed in around 1,000 hostels in the first phase while the remaining 6,000 hostels will be under CCTV surveillance in subsequent phases.
The minister also stated that a budgetary provision of Rs 7 crore has been made for the purpose.
The state housing development corporation has been entrusted with the work to invite tenders for installation of CCTVs at the hostels.
Stating that the girls’ hostels would be given priority while installing the CCTVs, the minister said solar power would be used to make the CCTVs operational in un-electrified areas.
It may be mentioned here that there are around 5.25 lakh students studying in 1,700 SC/ST schools across the state.
When he was asked about the scholarship schemes, Majhi said a sum of Rs 11 crore, for pre-matric and post-matric scholarships, has been given to 21 lakh students this year.