With the SSC and HSC board examinations approaching, schools and junior colleges selected as examination centres have been directed to strengthen their infrastructure, including the mandatory installation of CCTV cameras in every classroom. The instruction comes through a recent government circular issued ahead of the examinations conducted by the Maharashtra State Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education.
While the measure is intended to enhance monitoring and ensure transparency during the exams, it has raised concerns among school authorities. Many institutions, particularly government and aided schools, have questioned the decision due to uncertainty over who will fund these compulsory infrastructure upgrades, leading to growing unease within the education community.
I am writing about this issue because it directly affects thousands of schools, teachers, and students across Maharashtra. Exam integrity is important, but so is practical implementation. Many schools, especially government-run and aided institutions, operate on tight budgets. Without clear funding support or timelines, the directive risks becoming a financial burden rather than a meaningful reform. This debate highlights the gap that often exists between policy decisions and ground realities.
What the Government Circular Says
The circular instructs all SSC and HSC examination centres to ensure adequate surveillance arrangements. This includes installing functional CCTV cameras in every examination classroom to monitor exams in real time and discourage malpractices.
Education officials believe this step will strengthen transparency and accountability during board examinations.
Why Schools Are Raising Objections
Schools have pointed out that installing CCTV cameras across multiple classrooms involves significant expenditure. Apart from cameras, there are costs related to wiring, storage systems, maintenance, and electricity.
Government and aided schools say they do not have separate funds earmarked for such sudden infrastructure upgrades, making compliance difficult without financial assistance.
Financial Burden on Government and Aided Institutions
Private unaided schools may manage the cost internally, but government and aided schools depend largely on grants. School managements argue that asking them to arrange funds at short notice is unrealistic.
They are demanding clarity on whether the government will reimburse costs or provide direct funding support for CCTV installation.
Concerns About Timeline and Implementation
Another concern raised by schools is the short timeframe available before examinations begin. Procuring equipment, completing installation, and ensuring systems are functional requires time and technical support.
Without a phased plan, schools fear last-minute pressure and uneven implementation across centres.
Purpose Behind CCTV Monitoring in Exams
The government’s intention behind CCTV surveillance is to prevent copying, impersonation, and other unfair practices. Officials believe that visible monitoring acts as a deterrent and helps maintain the credibility of board exams.
However, schools stress that enforcement should be balanced with feasibility.
What Schools Are Demanding
School associations are urging the government to:
- Clearly specify who will fund the CCTV installation
- Provide grants or reimbursements to eligible schools
- Issue standard technical guidelines
- Allow sufficient time for compliance
They say cooperation will improve if responsibilities are clearly defined.
