http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/lucknow/Aligarh-Muslim-University-to-have-57-CCTVs/articleshow/5783362.cms
Aligarh Muslim University to have 57 CCTVsManjari Mishra , TNN, Apr 11, 2010, 03.15am IST LUCKNOW: Here is a dubious first to Aligarh Muslim University’s honour roll. With 57 close-circuit (CCTV) cameras and night vision devices installed at the strategic points covering the hostels, gates, playground, main roads, exit and entry points, AMU becomes probably the only university to keep a 24x7 vigil on the campus. And even as university authorities term the arrangement “routine safety measures”, 28,000-odd students studying in the 128-year-old biggest and oldest minority institution find themselves in the midst of an acute ‘big-brother is watching syndrome’. The heightened security concern have come at a stiff cost — Rs 10 crore to be precise going by reports. Exclusively a brain child of the current vice-chancellor Dr professor PK Abdul Azis, the move has been cleared by the executive committee of the university and therefore cannot be faulted. However, as installation of gadgets nears completion this month, students and a section of faculty members are livid at the move which could send “wrong signals to the minority community and pollute the minds of students.” Affected by the whisper campaign, Aligarh Muslim University Teachers Association (AMUTA) has also sprung into action. Secretary, AMUTA, Dr Jamshed Siddique, terms the development as a black chapter in the academic history. The entire thing defies logic, Siddique told TOI on Saturday. “What could be the possible motive is mystery no one has been able to crack so far. Are AMU students terrorists or criminals who require a round-the-clock monitoring?” he asked and added that it was not only a colossal waste of money but also a move which had deal a death blow to the dignity of AMU.
