Counsel sessions & cameras at varsity

 The authorities of Rabindra Bharati University on Monday announced measures to stop student violence and create an atmosphere conducive to academics.

Five students of the university and an assistant professor allegedly beat up a 59-year-old employee on the BT Road campus on Friday, causing his death, after an altercation over parking of a motorcycle.

Counselling students to uphold Tagorean ideals, stepping up security and improving teacher-student relationship are some of the steps announced.

“We will implement all the measures as soon as possible,” said Bhaskar Sengupta, the registrar of the university.

“Tagore experts as well as psychologists will be invited to counsel students and understand their problems. The students must realise that they should not do anything that goes against Tagorean ethos,” said the official.

The dean of students has been asked to arrange student-teacher interactive sessions frequently.

Security cameras will be installed at vulnerable points on the campus, including the main gate, outside the vice-chancellor and registrar’s offices and the entrance to the teachers’ lounge.

The authorities of Jadavpur University had decided to install security cameras on the campus following a demonstration by students last year in the presence of the then chief minister, Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee. But the plan had to be dropped following opposition by students.

In another measure to boost security, students will not be allowed to remain on the campus in the evening. “The classes give over at 5.45pm. Students would have to leave by 6pm, or latest by 6.30pm. The security has already been informed about not allowing students to loiter on the campus. There will be more vigilance,” said an official.

The authorities had requested Sinthee police station to deploy personnel on the campus for the next few days.

Security checks, especially for visitors, will be intensified at the main gate. Students will have to produce their identity cards to enter and outsiders’ bags will be checked.

The guards will be provided walkie-talkies and parking zones for two and four wheelers will be more clearly demarcated.

“Some of the security measures are already in place. The rules will now be adhered to strictly,” said a university official.

The illumination on the campus will be improved. A plan is afoot to install solar lights.