After wake-up call, varsity goes back to security checks, scans IDs at campus gates
Times of India | 14 September 2025Meanwhile, education minister Bratya Basu said on Saturday that funds have already been sanctioned for installation of additional CCTV cameras on JU campuses.
"In a sensitive institute like JU, where similar incidents have happened before, it is a challenge to run the varsity without a VC. Chaos is quite natural. A permanent VC is required to maintain discipline and stability. There was a court order regarding the installation of CCTV cameras.
We had a discussion with the former VC, and the finance department has sanctioned funds as well. I hope we will be able to fulfil the court's order once a new VC is appointed," Basu said.
He was responding to queries on when funds will be disbursed for installation of 70 CCTV cameras and the recruitment of 30 additional security guards for the university's twin campuses. Now, JU has 78 permanent security guards, 33 private security guards, and 30 CCTVs.
JU registrar Indrajit Banerjee told TOI: "We sent a letter to the department appealing for funds, which is around Rs 68 lakh for CCTV cameras and Rs 90,000 for security guards. We will again be sending a letter on Monday reminding them of the fund."
However, the minister blamed the absence of a full-time VC for the ‘chaos' on campus. "Things were running smoothly when the vice-chancellor was present. Now there is no VC, and the university has been left headless by a person who acted in violation of the SC order.
It's a plan to create chaos in state universities. These young students are becoming victims of someone's personal agenda."
Since Saturday was a holiday, guards checked ID cards of students and outsiders and asked them the purpose of their visit throughout the day. At gate 3, guards were seen checking two-wheelers and four-wheelers before allowing them entry into the campus.
JUTA, in a letter to the registrar on Saturday, also pointed out that the university's administrative and financial structure is nearly collapsing.
"The university has been running without a statute. There is no permanent vice-chancellor, dean of students, registrar, and finance officer, which is making it impossible to execute decisions and rules. Moreover, there are no elected representatives in the executive council, faculty council, and court.
In many instances, officials are neglecting their responsibilities," said JUTA general secretary Partha Pratim Ray.
Head security guard Mukul Das said, "The security guards are noting down registration number of vehicles and also asking them the purpose of visit. Vehicles with JU stickers are not being checked. Security personnel usually check details of vehicles, but after Friday's circular, it is being enforced more strictly. We are also asking students to show their ID cards during entry and asking outsiders the purpose of the visit.
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Another guard said the real challenge lies with restricting outsiders, especially a small section of passouts in the evening.
