IIT-Kgp plans automated vigil on students’ entry, exit | Kolkata News – The Times of India

Kolkata: The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur is preparing to implement a high-level automated notification system at its main gate to enhance surveillance of students’ movements in and out of the campus. This initiative aims to ensure the safety of students, particularly during late-night hours.

Overview of the Automated System

The proposed system, developed using advanced technologies and artificial intelligence, will send SMS or email alerts to parents or guardians every time a student enters or exits the campus premises. This is especially relevant during the odd hours of 10 PM to 6 AM, a time frame that has raised safety concerns among both students and their families.

Concerns Raised by Students

Despite the intention behind the automated system, students have expressed significant concerns regarding privacy and autonomy. Many feel that such surveillance could infringe upon their personal freedoms.

• Privacy: Students are worried that constant monitoring could lead to a loss of personal space.
• Autonomy: There is a fear that the system may undermine their ability to make independent choices.

In response to these concerns, the Students’ Gymkhana organized an emergency Senate meeting to discuss the implications of the proposed system. They circulated a feedback form among students to gather opinions and suggestions that prioritize safety without compromising freedom.

Administration’s Response

The administration has acknowledged the students’ concerns and has assured them that the automated system will not be implemented until thorough feedback is collected and reviewed. A student representative stated, “We were assured that the automated system will not be implemented until student feedback is thoroughly reviewed.”

Background and Motivation for the System

The decision to introduce this automated monitoring system follows a recommendation from a fact-finding committee. This committee was formed in the wake of a tragic incident involving a PhD scholar who lost his life after being struck by a train. The student had left the campus in the evening and was not accounted for after his departure.

An official from the institute commented, “The institute had no inkling of his whereabouts after he left the campus. Often, students also write fake phone numbers of parents, making it difficult for us to contact them during emergencies. If something unpleasant happens outside campus, the institute is answerable, so such a system is the need of the hour to keep parents informed.”

Justification for the System

The administration believes that the automated system is essential for ensuring the wellbeing of students and addressing parental anxiety. As stated by the director, Suman Chakraborty, “Since we do not have any control over the sale of harmful addictive substances outside the campus, we have to implement such an automated system to track and monitor students’ movements, especially during odd hours.”

Chakraborty further emphasized the importance of accountability, stating, “It is unfair that you want us to have responsibility but no authority. We must know where they went. If students think that informing parents or guardians about their exit from campus at night is problematic, then they are free to stay outside the campus. There is nothing to fear if their intentions and actions are novel.”

Current Procedures for Campus Exit

Currently, students are required to present their institute ID cards when exiting the campus. They must also enter their details in a register. Additionally, notifications must be sent via email to the warden, faculty adviser, and security control for any exits that occur between 10 PM and 6 AM.

Conclusion

The introduction of an automated vigil system at IIT Kharagpur reflects a growing concern for student safety in educational institutions. While the initiative aims to provide security and peace of mind for both students and their families, it raises important questions about privacy and autonomy that need to be addressed. The administration’s commitment to reviewing student feedback before implementing the system is a positive step towards finding a balance between safety and personal freedom.

Note: The implementation of such systems in educational institutions must always consider the rights and freedoms of students, ensuring that safety measures do not infringe upon personal liberties.