THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Nearly two years after the Centre’s directive, the state government has finally decided to install CCTVs in welfare homes run for children. Earlier, during the UDF regime, the directive from the Centre to install CCTVs was not taken up enthusiastically by officials and staff in the homes on the grounds that it would be unethical to spy on children who have done no wrong. However, this objection was read more as an attempt by home authorities to ensure that their highhandedness continued without hindrance. The move to install CCTV cameras inside children's homes has two stated objectives: to prevent violence against children inside the home and to check the increasing frequency of escape from homes.
CCTV cameras will be installed in all the eight children’s homes, 14 observation homes and two special homes across the state. Children’s Home is a shelter for poor and orphaned children. Observation homes are where children suspected to be involved in crimes are placed. Special homes are where convicted children are lodged. Though the decision was taken two months ago at the meeting of the Integrated Child Protection Services (ICPS) executive committee on March 29, the green light to go ahead with tender proceedings was given only on May 27. It is felt that the ‘third eye’ technology can keep tabs on children attempting to jump out of homes lodging juveniles in conflict with the law, observation and special homes. It can also rein in ruthless home superintendents and caretakers. However, it is not sure whether the technological intervention is a practically sound strategy.
“There is no assurance that the cameras will be safe. Some time ago when we had put up speakers for children in many of these homes, some of the boys dismantled them and sold it in the black market,” a top social justice department official said. “These CCTV cameras are infinitely more costly and therefore the temptation to unscrew them and sell it outside will be higher,” he added. It has been reported that some of the inmates had cut their way out of locked rooms. “For them, taking down a CCTV from the ceiling will be child’s play. They can also destroy it,” the official said.
