AU to revamp security set-up

ALLAHABAD UNIVERSITY (AU) is gearing up to restructure the security arrangements of its various campuses in a comprehensive revamp initiative.
AU Proctor Prof Jata Shankar after deliberations with his team of assistant proctors has submitted a proposal in this regard to the AU Vice-Chancellor Prof Rajen Harshe suggesting a number of steps in his eight-page report.

The report, under general steps for improving physical infrastructure which is meant for all the campuses, suggests altering the height of the boundary walls, identifying entry points, making provisions for parking of two-wheelers and four-wheelers, sealing unwanted entry points and removing residential structures from the teaching campuses besides constructing security guard rooms.

Keeping in mind that the recently released Rs 13.3 crore by the UGC has to be utilised before July 15, 2006, the report informs the VC that these physical infrastructure changes suggested in the report can be started at the earliest and completed by July 15, 2006 with the active co-operation of the university engineer and his staff.

In campus specific recommendations, the report points out the challenges of AU which has campuses scattered around with residential structures, shops and civilian roads separating them from each other.

For the Arts Faculty, the report suggests raising boundary wall behind the Medieval History department up to the Psychology department as well as raising the height of the walls between Delegacy gate and the Students Union Hall gate.

It has also been suggested that the students Union hall gate be made higher and that security cabins be constructed at the Union, KPUC and the Library gates to regulate entry.

Construction of a barrack to house reserve security  personnel and removing all residential accommodations, legal and illegal, as well as shifting the Post Office and the Bank  to its FCI block or elsewhere too has been suggested.

Similar suggestions regarding raising of boundary walls at specific spots, construction of a wall between MB House and the Science faculty, opening Proctorial Branch offices on all the campuses has been suggested.

Realising the need of a fast, effective and reliable communication network to tackle any law and order situation, the report suggests connecting all the members of the Proctorial team, security officer and his team of guards stationed at various entry points with a sturdy mobile communication network for a quick and a co-ordinated response.

The Proctor has also suggested that in-charge of AU police outpost, SHO Colonelganj, CO Colonelganj and SP City be also included in the communication network's coverage.

The report has also suggested that vehicles for transportation of security personnel be made available and that the security guards be equipped with effective weapons as the open display of firearms on the campus by miscreants has been reported a number of times in the past.It is to be recalled that that the VC on Friday during the AU Planning and Development Board meeting has already instructed the AU Engineer and the Proctor Prof Jata Shankar to identify the important projects that can be started immediately and be completed before July 15, 2006.

T]he VC has also formed a four-member committee comprising of Prof AK Srivastava of the Chemistry Department, Prof RK Upadhyaya of Defence Studies department, the Planning and Development Board's member-secretary Prof JN Bhargava and varsity Chief Public Information Officer Prof Amrendra Singh as the convenor to look into the task of strengthening the varsity's communication network and making it ready to deal with any security related emergency that may arise on the campus.

The committee, entrusted with the task of inviting proposals from leading mobile service providers and recommending one of them based on its merit to the Board for consideration, is due to hold its first meeting at 4 pm on
Monday.