VARSITY BUTTONS UP SECURITY

Post 26/11 Mumbai terror attack, the University of Pune has announced comprehensive security measures within its campus.

Post 26/11 Mumbai terror attack, the University of Pune has announced comprehensive security measures within its campus. For starters, all regular morning-walkers in the university campus will get identity cards and not be allowed to park their vehicles inside campus, said Vice Chancellor Narendra Jadhav.

Relevant forms have been distributed to the regulars who are supposed to fill them and attach their photos. 8220;The actual implementation will begin within 15 to 20 days,8221; Jadhav said. He said that decision has been taken to install close circuit television cameras at the international centre and the ladies hostel, among other locations. A committee has been appointed to decide similar security measures in the campus.

8220;The university has decided to make it compulsory for all undergraduate students in the varsity and its affiliated colleges to complete a course in disaster management from June 2009,8221; Jadhav said. Students who will take admission to BA, B.Com, B. Sc from the upcoming academic year will have to complete the course anytime in the three years. 8220;Until then, students will not get their degree certificates,8221; he said. It will take assistance from retired army officers in the city who will train select teachers from each college, who will in turn impart the training to the students. Around 6.5 lakh students are expected to undergo this disaster management training.

8220;The UoP also plans to start a think tank on strategic issues that will have experts from various fields giving policy-related advice to government,8221; Jadhav said. It will be called the Centre of Internal Security. Moreover, to increase public awareness in disaster management, the university has organised a two-day camp where modern weapons like AK-47 will be displayed and commandos will present a demonstration. The camp will be held on National Youth Day on January 12 and 13 and is likely to have K M Singh, member of National Disaster Management Authority and Lt Gen Nobel Thamburaj, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Command as guests.