Student safety: Karnataka PU Dept issues strict guidelines

Bengaluru: Nearly two months after Gauthami, a 17-year-old student of Pragathi PU College, was shot dead by an attendant at the college hostel, the Pre-University Department has come up with strict guidelines for colleges that include change of security guards once every month and ban on appointment of security staff from unauthorised agencies.

The new set of 18 guidelines also directs students not to share their personal details on mobile and social media networks. College managements have been told to ensure that students do not come in contact with drug or cigarette sellers. Visitors should be allowed to meet students only during stipulated hours and they should produce their identity cards and fill their full addresses before meeting any students, the colleges have been told.

Colleges should provide all details, including student strength and other information, to the local police station. They should form women’s committees, including parents and social activists, to ensure protection of girl students.

CCTVs should be installed at all important locations of a college, including classrooms, libraries, sports rooms etc. Two employees should be appointed to constantly monitor the live footage of CCTVs and to rush help if the need arises.

During trips and events organised by the college, a woman lecturer should accompany girl students. Colleges have been told to encourage girl students to travel and stay in groups to avoid any untoward incident.