Post News Network
Bhubaneswar, April 20: In a bid to safeguard students against attacks, threats and accidents, the University Grants Commission (UGC) has asked the universities to install an emergency notification system in line with University of California Berkley – ‘WarnMe’.
Police stations can be set up on varsity premises where the officials of the stations will handle emergencies and conduct night patrolling to avoid untoward incidents. Officials can provide escort to students and undertake pick-up and drop facilities in the event of late night classes or functions.
It is mandatory to fence the hostels and campuses with boundary walls and spiraling barbed wires to avoid unauthorised access.The entry points should be manned by at least three armed security guards and close circuit cameras.
The varsities have been asked to install biometric system for checking attendance of students in campuses and hostels to overcome proxy.
A course on disaster management should be made mandatory for the students and they can also be imparted training to protect their belongings such as mobile phones and ATMs. Girls should be provided self-defence training, the guidelines read.
For off-campus security, the UGC has asked the varsities to make sure that expedition activities are undertaken under the guidance of trained teachers. However, the number of students should be restricted to 50. A doctor has to be accommodated with them if the number exceeds 50.
What is ‘WarnMe’?
‘WarnMe’ is a system under which simultaneous messages can be sent via email, telephone, cell phone and text within minutes of the occurrence of any incident. The system complements other communications including use of the Web and news media. Information collected for the ‘WarnMe’ service will only be used to send you information in the event of a campus emergency.