Post alert,varsity appoints panel but it’s yet to meet

The university houses the International Students’ Centre (ISC) that plays host to scores of foreign students who visit it on a daily basis besides around 300 foreign students staying on the campus. With the newly-appointed Vice-Chancellor R K Shevgaonkar yet to take charge,procurement of equipment such as metal detectors and closed-circuit TV cameras (CCTV) has not taken place as they ideally require his clearance.

The office of the city police commissioner had sent a letter to the university in the first week of March regarding precautionary measures to be taken on the campus. These included manning of the main gates,installation of CCTVs at ISC,checking identity of every person entering the campus,keeping only two out of the four entrances open and raising the compound wall height.

“The issue was discussed at the management council meeting on March 5. It was decided to appoint a committee to suggest feasible solutions,” said management council member Shyam Lavande. “The committee includes some council members besides retired police officers who will give suggestions on the measures as it is practically difficult to comply with all the guidelines.”

He added,“As many students come to the campus every day for various purposes,it will be impossible to demand identity proof from all. The committee has been asked to find solutions so that the students do not suffer.”  

The committee,however,has not even convened a single meeting. “As there is no full-time V-C yet,the management council itself may have to take the decision soon,” said another council member.  

When contacted,registrar ML Jadhav said the minutes of the management council meeting had been finalised and the committee will conduct its first meeting soon. He said a review meeting was held on Wednesday regarding security upgrade at ISC. “We will procure a metal detector soon. Some CCTV cameras are in place,but we will install some more in the hostels where foreign students stay.”

Security guidelines
* Man the main gates
* Install CCTVs at ISC
* Check identity of every person entering the campus
* Keep only two out of the four main entrances open
* Raise the height of the compound wall
What is not feasible
To check identity of every person entering the campus: As many students come to the campus every day for various purposes,it will be virtually impossible to demand identity proof from all

What is delayed
Procurement of equipment like metal detectors and CCTVs: Newly-appointed Vice-Chancellor is yet to take charge