Open house: How can Panjab University upgrade its security infra, prevent outsiders entry during large events?
Involve student leaders in security planning | CCTV coverage must | Increase police patrolling
Issue At Hand
The recent murder of a 22-year-old youth, Aditya Thakur, at the South Campus of Panjab University has opened a Pandora’s Box raising questions over security inside campus. The university campus, which is a hub of politics and education, had never witnessed such a scenario. The murder also made university authorities to have a self-assessment regarding presence of outsiders, which is not feasible to stop completely due to residential area inside campus.
QUESTION for next week
The recent trend of posting photos converted through Ghibli art — digital content associated with Studio Ghibli and its fan community — has called for a check over online frauds. Recently, the police warned residents of the growing threat of cybercrimes linked to Ghibli art. An advisory, issued by the Sector 17 cybercrime police station, highlights how cybercriminals are exploiting the popularity of Ghibli art to perpetrate online frauds and identity thefts. In such a scenario, is it safe to follow the trend blindly?
Suggestions in not more than 150 words with
passport size photograph can be sent to openhouse@tribunemail.com by Thursday (April 10)
Students must be guided spiritually
It was sad to read about a student’s death at Panjab University. It does not behove students to indulge in hooliganism, goondaism and violence. The mob mentality and sudden anger results into crime. Most crimes are committed in a fit of anger against unknowns. Students are not criminals. In order to nip evil in the bud, students must be guided spiritually as well. Needless to expand security arrangements, police patrolling must be increased at functions and events held on the university campus. Students’ council members can easily check entry of unwanted outsiders in the university.
NPS Sohal, Chandigarh
A total failure of security measures
What more sad can be when a precious life was lost on the Panjab University campus considered as the Mecca of studies. Firstly, was there any need for a third musical concert when the university authorities already cancelled the first two. Studies should be given more importance than entertainment. The university should hold its own lit fests to spread awareness among students. We have seen that the Chandigarh Administration was unable to handle Singer Daljit Dosanjh or other singers’ shows. How can the university authorities handle such shows when the crowd gets rowdy? The university’s security arrangements are a total failure. Singers should not be allowed to perform on the university campus. Hope the university authorities learn a lesson after such an incident.
Opinder Sekhon, Chandigarh
Increase surveillance on university campus
Surveillance must be increased on the Panjab University (PU) campus. More security personnel must be deployed at university. No one must enter PU camps without proper verification of his/her identity. Entry timings in university must be fixed. Students’ identity cards must be checked regularly by security staff. CCTV cameras must be installed in every nook and corner of the university.
Kirpal Singh, Chandigarh
Make students aware of responsibilities
No doubt that entry with weapons on the Panjab University (PU) campus is serious issue, especially on the day when musical events are held. To prevent such unlawful activities, PU Vice Chancellor, Deans and security officer should hold meeting with students’ union leaders and apprise them about their responsibilities. Consequences of fights/crimes must be discussed with them. Student leaders must be deputed at all PU entry gates along with security personnel to identify guests entering the campus during musical events. Police force must be deployed during such events.
Anokh Singh Kahlon, Chandigarh
Wake-up call for PU authorities
The recent murder of a Panjab University (PU) student during a musical concert should be a wake-up call for the authorities concerned. It is not uncommon that outsiders barge into the PU campus during musical events. Usually outsiders outsmart security personnel with the help of resident students. For such events, meagre security of the campus has always proved inadequate. The authorities have never been proactive about such untoward incidents happening. A reasonable budget must be allotted for outsourcing additional security for high profile events. Special identity cards should be issued to authorised students for allowing them to enter the event venue. Visitors must be scanned at the entry gate to ensure no weapon is being carried by them. There should be checking at campus hostels just before events to ensure no unauthorised person is staying there.
Yash Khetarpal, Panchkula
Restrict access to campus events
The recent Panjab University (PU) incident is indeed tragic and highlights the need for improved security measures on university campuses. Ensuring the safety and well-being of students, faculty and staff is of utmost importance. The university administration must take concrete steps to prevent such incidents in the future. To enhance security protocols robust security checks, such as metal detectors, bag checking and ID verification, can help prevent unauthorised individuals from entering the university campus. Restricting access to campus events, especially high-profile concerts, to authorised personnel and students with valid IDs can help minimise the risk of outsiders infiltrating the campus. Installing CCTV cameras and monitoring the campus closely can help identify potential security threats and prevent crime. Building strong relationship with local law enforcement agencies can facilitate prompt response and support in case of emergencies. Encouraging students to take an active role in promoting campus safety and reporting suspicious activity can help foster a culture of responsibility and vigilance.
Capt (retd) Amar Jeet, Kharar
Establish event management protocol
The recent murder of a 22-year-old boy at the Panjab University (PU) South Campus concert highlights serious security lapses and the urgent need for a structured security plan. To prevent unauthorised entry during large events, PU must implement strict access control measures, including mandatory ID verification, ticket-based entry, and RFID-enabled passes for students and staff. A well-trained security team should be deployed, with CCTV cameras strategically placed to monitor crowds in real time. Collaboration with local law enforcement agencies for event security can act as a deterrent to outsiders and miscreants. Additionally, the university should establish a centralised event management protocol, mandating prior security clearance, crowd control strategies and emergency response mechanisms. Regular security audits, awareness drives and grievance redressal systems for students can further enhance safety on the PU campus. By adopting a proactive approach and leveraging technology, PU can ensure a secure campus environment while allowing students to participate in cultural and academic events without fear.
Harinder Singh Bhalla, Chandigarh
Use efficient ticketing system for PU entry
Punjab University (PU) should formulate a combined strategy comprising an efficient ticketing system, use of technology and physical barriers coupled with employing professionally trained security staff to implement it strictly on the ground. This multi-pronged approach will ensure that only authorised personnel carrying valid identities enter the venue for such shows. Digital tickets using QR codes or barcodes should be issued. In addition, physical wristbands and badges should be incorporated to verify the attendees’ eligibility. The QR code scanners should be installed at all entry points, which should be kept to a bare minimum. Different colours of wristbands would signify access to different enclosures. Turnstiles, barriers, effective physical structures and RFID tags would greatly help in preventing the entry of outsiders. Unambiguous briefing of all security personnel is critical to allow only those students and audience with valid tickets enter venue of events.
Brig Advitya Madan, Chandigarh
Advanced technology can enhance safety
Panjab University can leverage advanced technology to enhance its campus safety by adopting modern safety and security systems such as high-definition surveillance cameras with facial recognition capabilities, electronic access control systems, digital platforms to send out security updates during large gatherings and emergencies and fortifying campus by reinforced doors and windows, ID-based entry, improved lighting along emergency call stations throughout the campus manned by security officials. Student committees can build a cohesive safety network.
Vaibhav Goyal, Chandigarh
Teach yoga, meditation to varsity students
Recent murder of a student at Panjab University (PU) musical event is an eye opener to control tension among students which builds up on minor issues. Carrying of arms, knives and other lethal weapons should not be allowed on the PU campus. Proper security checks must be carried out at all PU entry points. At the same time, students must be taught yoga and meditation. Motivational classes must be introduce to reduce anger and tension among students. CCTV coverage and use of drones on the PU campus to keep a vigil on the university campus should be mandatory. Lastly, entry to events must be made compulsory through metal detectors so as to detect arms and sharp weapons.
Col (retd) TBS Bedi, Mohali
Enhance vigilance at university entry gates
There is often a breach of security at Panjab University (PU) campus. Outsiders’ entry campus and stay in hostels. This shows lax attitude of the authorities concerned and security guards. Short gates/open spaces should be closed. Fencing should be tightened with strict vigilance at PU entry gates. Strict protocols should be made. Students who call outsiders on the university campus should be barred from appearing in exams.
Abhilasha Gupta, Mohali
Enforce strict ID verification
The university must enhance its security infrastructure to prevent incidents like the recent tragic murder of student. A gated entry with strict ID verification should be enforced, especially during large events, to restrict unauthorised access to venues. Surveillance cameras with real-time monitoring should cover key areas. A trained security team must be stationed near major gatherings. Implementing a strict event registration and ticketing system will help track attendees and prevent overcrowding. Collaboration with the local law enforcement agencies can strengthen security during high-risk events. Additionally, student safety awareness programmes, emergency response drills and 24/7 helpline should be introduced. Regular security audits and improvements will ensure a safer campus environment.
Sheena, Kharar
Man frisking must be introduced
The recent tragic incident at Panjab University (PU) highlights the urgent need for enhanced security measures during high-footfall events. High-resolution cameras, which can cover all key areas such as entry gates, parking, stages and crowds must be installed. Cameras can monitor crowd movement to detect suspicious activity. Along with PCR vans, police personnel must be deployed for rapid response. Student representatives can be involved in security planning. Outsiders must register online before entering university. Walk-through gates must be installed and manual frisking introduced at all PU entry points to prevent smuggling of weapons on the PU campus. Above all, zero tolerance policy towards security lapses must be strictly adopted by the PU authorities.
Anita K Tandon, Kharar
Address security lapses immediately
The recent tragic murder of a 22-year-old student during a concert at Punjab University (PU) South Campus highlights serious security lapses that must be addressed immediately. As one of the city’s busiest and most popular campuses, PU lacks a structured security plan, putting students at risk during large events. To ensure the safety of students, the university should implement strict access controls, such as ID checks and pre-registered visitor passes for outsiders. Surveillance systems, including more CCTV cameras and real-time monitoring, are essential to deter criminal activities. Increased collaboration with local law enforcement agencies, professional security teams and comprehensive crowd management strategies are crucial. Additionally, emergency response training for both security personnel and students, along with clear communication channels, should be prioritised. It is high time for the PU authorities to upgrade their security infrastructure to protect students and create a safer campus environment.
Sanjay Chopra, Mohali
Students must carry ID cards
At the first Panjab University (PU) must upgrade its own security’s infrastructure by recruiting guards through open advertisement. Newly recruited staff should be given extensive training to cope with any situation. Also the university should not mind deploying bouncers for the safety of young students. On the day of any big event(s), parking of public vehicles except those of VVIPs should not be allowed on the PU campus. No student be allowed to carry any mobile phones at event venue. Frisking should be properly done with strong metal detectors along with the deployment of jammers. Last but not the least carrying of identity card (ID) by students along with the Aadhaar Card should be made mandatory for gaining entry in any event.
Savita Kuthiala, Chandigarh
Maintain visitors register at PU gates
Visitors’ register should be maintained at each gate of Panjab University. Visitors ID card must be checked by security staff. Visiting times must be fixed. Visitors must not be allowed to carry weapons and alcohol on the PU campus. The security staff should check all hostel rooms. University boundary walls with good height should be constructed. Students’ activities must be monitored regularly. The authorities concerned must maintain law and order along with discipline on the university campus. Students on the wrong side of the law should be punished immediately.
Sumesh Kumar Badhwar, Mohali
Fortify venue of Cultural events
The very first requirement is to fortify venue of the event while ensuring no unauthorised access. The entry and exit gates of Panjab University be manned by security personnel backed by the police. The entry should be strictly with valid ticket/ID of students. Metal detectors must be installed and suspicious elements thoroughly frisked at entry gates. Guests and attendees must have valid entry tickets issued by the university authorities. Campus hostels must be searched to ensure that no undesirable person is staying there just before start of mega events.
SS Arora, Mohali
Ramp up CCTV surveillance
Recent murder of student has raised questions on safety and security in Panjab University. Outsiders ID must be checked and visitors register maintained at university entry gates. The entry time and purpose of outsider’s visit must be recorded in register. CCTV surveillance should be ramped on the university campus.
Saikrit Gulati, Chandigarh
Chandigarh