In the wake of a recent sexual assault on the Anna University campus, Tamil Nadu’s Higher Education Minister, Govi Chezhiaan, has emphasized the need for all educational institutions to implement night patrolling by security staff to ensure the safety of students. During a meeting with the registrars of state universities on Tuesday, the minister outlined key measures to bolster campus security and prevent such incidents in the future.

Urgent Action Following the Anna University Incident

The meeting was convened in response to the alarming sexual assault case that occurred on the Anna University campus a few weeks ago. The state government swiftly took action in response to the incident, and the minister assured that more proactive steps would be taken to enhance the safety protocols across educational institutions.

Minister Chezhiaan highlighted the importance of maintaining a well-lit campus during the night and ensuring that all CCTV cameras are functional. This, he stated, would deter criminal activities and allow for better surveillance on campus grounds. He also directed the institutions to identify vulnerable and isolated areas within the campus and take necessary precautions such as setting up additional streetlights and installing CCTV cameras.

Additional Safety Measures for Students and Faculty

The minister also proposed several practical safety measures to be implemented across campuses. He suggested that faculty members and students wear ID cards at all times to ensure easy identification, thereby enhancing security. The entry of outsiders should be closely monitored, with a proper visitor register maintained to track who is entering and exiting the campus.

Chezhiaan also urged educational institutions to consult with students and faculty members on ways to further improve campus safety measures, ensuring that the campus community is actively involved in creating a safer environment.

One specific recommendation was for all female students to download the "Kaval Uthavi" app on their mobile phones. This app, which is designed to provide immediate assistance in case of an emergency, is part of the state’s initiative to empower students with a quick-response safety tool.

Broader Review of Educational Concerns

Aside from discussing campus safety, Minister Chezhiaan also reviewed the progress on other significant educational matters during the meeting. This included examining the status of complaints received by Internal Complaints Committees (ICCs) in educational institutions, a critical body responsible for addressing harassment and other grievances. Additionally, the minister reviewed the status of online courses and the dropout rates in degree programs, reflecting the state's commitment to improving the overall educational experience for students.

The meeting was attended by several key officials, including Higher Education Secretary K Gopal and Commissioner of Collegiate Education E Sundaravalli, who participated in the review of various ongoing initiatives within the state’s higher education system.

Conclusion

The recent incident at Anna University has spurred the Tamil Nadu government to take swift action to enhance campus security across the state’s educational institutions. Minister Govi Chezhiaan’s call for night patrolling, improved lighting, functional CCTV systems, and the use of safety apps demonstrates a comprehensive approach to safeguarding students, particularly women, on university campuses. These steps aim not only to address the immediate concerns but also to foster a culture of safety and awareness on educational campuses across Tamil Nadu.