The Odisha government on Wednesday said it would install CCTV cameras in hostels run by the ST and SC Development Department for the safety of tribal students.
Department Minister Ramesh Majhi said that out of the total 7,000 hostels, 1,000 would be under the cover of CCTVs in the first phase.
The decision of the state government came after sexual harassment cases were reported in the hostels.
Majhi said the installation of CCTVs would further ensure the safety of female inmates in hostels.
He said the State Police Housing and Welfare Corporation has been entrusted to invite tenders for the installation of CCTVs.
The state government will spend Rs 7 crore for the purpose.
Over 5.5 lakh students from across the state are staying in 7,000 hostels run by the department. The government is spending about Rs 1,000 crore for the pre-matric and post-matric scholarship for the students.