Chennai: Anna University in Chennai will soon introduce a new visitor management system based on QR codes to further tighten the entry of unauthorised persons on the campus.
It is one of the many steps taken recently by the varsity administration against the backdrop of the December 23 sexual assault incident. That day, a 19-year-old engineering student and her male friend were attacked by an assailant on the campus. The accused later dragged the victim into nearby shrubs where he allegedly sexually assaulted her.
Following the incident, the University administration imposed new restrictions on the entry of unauthorised persons into the university. Among the latest such moves is the introduction of a QR code system, a varsity official told ETV Bharat.
He said a visitor system with a QR code is being introduced to monitor those entering the university campus and to confirm who they are meeting.
"The app for this will be made available on the Anna University website. The visitor should download it on his phone and then apply whom he wants to meet at the university. If the concerned person agrees to see the visitor, he or she will permit it via the app," the official said.
The details of the permission will be sent to the security officers at the entrance gate who will then check and confirm it with the visitor before granting him or her entry into the campus, he said.
"The person granted permission can meet that officer or the concerned student and leave. If they have to meet another person, they can meet them after seeking permission from the campus," the official added. He said work was underway to develop the app to streamline the QR code permission system.
Strict measures put in place
Earlier, the bushes present on the university campus were removed, all CCTV cameras on the campus were made functional and help desks were set up to assist students.
Only those with ID cards can enter the campus through the three gates of Anna University -- Main gate, Kotturpuram Gate and Alagappa Technical College gate. The gate through the Examination Controller's Office near the Highways Department office has been closed. Also, all the cracks in the surrounding walls have been repaired.
An additional 15 ex-servicemen have been added to the security force. The Health Centre is operational 24 hours a day. Outsiders have been barred from entry into the campus. Wearing identity cards has been made mandatory for teachers, staff and students. Counsellors have been appointed to provide advice to the students on psychological problems including depression.
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