SRINAGAR: The District Magistrate of Samba district in Jammu and Kashmir has directed the compulsory installation of high-definition CCTV surveillance systems in all girls’ educational institutions and women’s accommodation facilities across the district with immediate effect.
Issued under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023, the order covers girls’ schools, colleges, hostels, and paying guest accommodations operating within Samba. The decision follows a formal recommendation submitted by the Senior Superintendent of Police, Samba, on June 10, 2026, which identified security gaps arising from inadequate video surveillance in and around such premises.
The administration stated that deficiencies in CCTV coverage had been linked to reported cases of harassment, stalking, and eve-teasing by anti-social elements near educational and residential facilities. Officials said the measure was necessary to protect public safety, maintain law and order, and ensure the dignity and security of women and girls.
As per the directive, all concerned institutions and property owners must implement a four-point compliance framework. This requires the installation of adequate high-definition CCTV cameras with playback capability covering entrances, exits, and surrounding perimeters, uninterrupted maintenance of surveillance systems, retention of recorded footage for at least 15 days, and prompt provision of data to law enforcement agencies in digital format when required.
Since individual service of notices was not practicable, the order was issued ex parte. It will remain valid for two months from June 16, 2026 unless modified or withdrawn earlier.
The Senior Superintendent of Police, Samba, has been tasked with ensuring strict implementation of the directive, and authorities have cautioned that any breach will attract legal action under applicable provisions.
