Smart cards, advanced CCTV coverage to be incorporated from the new academic session at the institute
Smart cards, advanced CCTV coverage to be incorporated from the new academic session at the institute
You can never have too much security in the present times. So, as Delhi University gears up to usher in the new academic session, it's not just the course material and basic infrastructure that's being revamped. Ramjas College, for instance, is trying to ensure that its students and staff feel safer. 
Guarded approach: Ramjas College at DU's north campus. File pic
The college is all set to introduce a smart card entry for students beginning this academic year. The institute will issue digital smart cards to students who will have to punch them at the college gate for entry.
When asked about the idea behind the card concept, Dr Rajendra Prasad, principal, Ramjas College said: "We have planned the digital access system to simplify the entry and exit hassles. Instead of guards harassing the students for showing their I-cards, it is better they punch their digital cards and get inside. The security guards will have no business with students now."
Eyes everywhere
Also, Ramjas College, which has 34 CCTV cameras installed since 2006 will increase the vigilance by installing audio facilities in specific spots along with video monitoring.
The audio monitoring system will be placed in particular areas including the hostel corridors, mess, hostel common room and the college cafeteria.
"We have planned these new measures in order to ensure good security in and around the college compound. The video monitoring was already in place since five years. This is the first time that the college has considered bringing audio monitoring as well," said Dr PN Dutta Gupta, vice-principal, Ramjas College. However, a bunch of students believe it is not a good idea to keep a tab on all their activities.
Privacy issue
"It is not very comfortable to have cameras monitoring your every move. Till now it was only at the entry gate. But having the system in the cafeteria is too much," said Avinash Khurana, one of the students. Countering this argument Prasad said, "I don't think it should be uncomfortable as we are not spying on them. Of course, a hostel is a sensitive area, but students have all their freedom."u00a0
"This is in their private space. No police intervention is required," said DCP (north district) IB Rani, when asked to comment on the issue.
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