Chandigarh, The Haryana Human Rights Commission has recommended ensuring adequate and effective CCTV surveillance in all Child Care Institutions across the state to further strengthen the safety and security of children.
The matter pertained to allegations of assault on children at the Place of Safety, Madhuban, Karnal. An inquiry was conducted by the police, and on the basis of the available CCTV footage and other material, the allegations of assault on the children by the staff of the Place of Safety could not be substantiated. The police inquiry also did not reveal the commission of any cognizable offence. However, during the hearing, the Commission examined the broader issue of ensuring the safety and security of children in Child Care Institutions. It came to its notice that the CCTV cameras installed at Place of Safety-I, Madhuban, had a backup/storage facility of only one month. Considering this inadequate, the Commission emphasised the need to preserve CCTV footage for a minimum period of six months. The Commission also observed that CCTV cameras had not been installed inside the dormitories/rooms where the children reside. At present, cameras were installed outside the dormitories and washrooms, at entry and exit points, in corridors, in the playground and along the boundary wall, among other locations. The privacy and dignity of children must be duly respected while making such arrangements. The Commission observed that effective surveillance in areas where children reside would facilitate timely intervention in cases of violence, assault, intimidation, abuse or any other untoward incident. CCTV footage would also serve as objective electronic evidence in the event of any incident or complaint. These include Children’s Homes, Open Shelters, Observation Homes, Special Homes, Places of Safety, Specialised Adoption Agencies and Fit Facilities recognised under the relevant law.
