Himachal Pradesh Director General of Police (DGP) Ashok Tewari has urged private universities across the state to bolster campus security by establishing closer coordination with local police authorities. The directive emphasizes the appointment of dedicated nodal security officers within each university to maintain continuous communication with district Superintendents of Police, aiming to fortify safety measures and streamline responses to incidents.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that the DGP issued these instructions during a meeting at the Police Headquarters in Shimla. The session was attended by Vice-Chancellors and senior representatives from 17 private universities in the state. This initiative stems from the directions of Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, who recently mandated a comprehensive review of student safety protocols in all Himachal Pradesh universities.
Key aspects discussed during the meeting included strengthening campus security, closely monitoring entry and exit points, rigorous verification of visitors, ensuring robust hostel security, and conducting timely police verifications. The training and effectiveness of private security personnel stationed at university campuses were also a significant focus. The meeting commenced with a presentation detailing recent unfortunate incidents that occurred at Lovely Professional University and Chitkara University, both located in Punjab, underscoring the urgency of proactive security measures.
A crucial decision made was the commitment of both police and university administrations to collaborate proactively in preventing drug-related activities. This concerted effort will extend to campuses and their immediate surrounding areas, reflecting a comprehensive approach to tackling substance abuse among students. The aim is to create an environment free from the pervasive influence of drugs, thereby safeguarding student well-being.
Director General of Police Tewari highlighted the importance of managing information flow during critical events. To counter the rapid spread of rumours on social media during emergencies, universities are instructed to coordinate closely with the police’s Cyber Crime and Media Cells. Furthermore, each university is mandated to appoint a single, authorized spokesperson. This measure is designed to ensure that accurate and verified information is disseminated promptly and efficiently, preventing misinformation and maintaining public trust.
The DGP also announced plans for conducting joint security audits of university campuses. These audits will systematically evaluate existing security infrastructure and protocols. Based on these evaluations, clear and actionable procedures will be developed for effectively responding to various types of emergencies. This collaborative approach aims to enhance the preparedness and response capabilities of both the police and university security teams.
In a move to formalize ongoing cooperation, DGP Tewari explored the potential for signing Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) between universities and the police department. These agreements would institutionalize regular cooperation and information sharing, creating a sustainable framework for campus safety. He concluded by urging all students, faculty members, and university administrations to promptly report any emergency, suspicious activity, or security concern by dialing the nationwide emergency number 112. This readily accessible line ensures that critical information reaches the authorities without delay, facilitating swift intervention.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
