In a move aimed at enhancing student safety and monitoring, Tamil Nadu’s Minister for Backward Classes and Minorities Welfare, S. Meyyanathan, announced that surveillance cameras would be installed in all student hostels across the state. He made this announcement during his visit to Sivagangai district, where he also reviewed the progress of welfare schemes and hostel infrastructure. The minister highlighted the significant rise in student enrolment in hostels in recent years. He attributed this positive trend to two major government initiatives — the Pudhumai Penn scheme, launched in 2022, and the Tamil Pudhalvan programme, introduced by Chief Minister M.K. Stalin in 2024. These schemes have encouraged higher education participation among economically disadvantaged students, especially girls and boys from backward communities. Providing further details, Mr. Meyyanathan said that 36 new hostels have been established in Tamil Nadu over the past four years. Of these, 19 hostels were inaugurated in 2024 alone, and in the current year (2025), 10 more hostels are expected to be opened to accommodate the growing student population. In a step towards digital learning, the minister proudly shared that students have been provided with Wi-Fi connectivity, enabling them to access books and resources available online through the renowned Kalaignar Centenary Library. With this technology, students can also explore digital libraries from around the globe, greatly enriching their academic environment. To further ensure student safety and discipline, the government has allocated ₹10.59 crore for the installation of surveillance systems in all hostels. This will bring students under a comprehensive surveillance network, aimed at improving their living conditions and preventing untoward incidents. Mr. Meyyanathan’s announcement underscores the Tamil Nadu government’s commitment to student welfare, education access, and the creation of a safe, supportiv
