The SC and ST development department has decided to install closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras in all tribal hostels across the state.

The move of comes after it faced criticism over a series of reports of harassment and sexual abuse of students, especially girls, in these hostels.

The government feels installation of the cameras will stop goons from committing such crimes.

“We are committed to ensure all-round development of the students and provide them a safe and secure environment for their studies,” said SC and ST development minister Ramesh Majhi said.

The department has 7,000 hostels, accommodating around 5 lakh students. In the first phase, the cameras will be set up in 1,000 SC/ST women’s hostels this year. Other hostels will be covered later.

The cameras will also be installed in the hostels under the school and mass education department where SC and ST community students are staying.

A tender will be invited shortly for the purpose.

“The State Police Housing and Welfare Corporation has been assigned the responsibility. A budgetary provision of Rs 7 crore has already been,” said Majhi.

Steps will be taken to ensure that SC and ST students regularly interact with their parents and communicate any problems they face in the hostels. This will also help in early identification of incidents of child abuse in schools.

In August this year, the police had arrested the headmaster of Sikhpally-based ST/ SC Girls’ Residential High School in Malkangiri on charges of sexual assault after the death of a 14-year-old Class-X student.

As many as 64 girl students of Mohana Government High School in Gajapati district run by the SC and ST development department left hostel alleging harassment by the warden.

In 2015, more than 20 cases of teen pregnancy were reported from tribal schools across the state.

Teachers protest

Teaching staff of Veer Surendra Sai University of Technology (VSSUT) on Thursday wore black badges and staged dharna in front of its main gate demanding implementation of the Seventh Pay Commission. VSSUT Teachers’ Association P. Patra said they were yet to get the pay commission benefits. The association also demanded a hike in the stipend of doctoral and postgraduate students