Free WiFi facility for Bangalore University students

Bangalore University (BU) has taken steps to provide 24/7 free WiFi internet facility to all students in the Jnanabharati campus in south Bengaluru. BU has also decided to install CCTV cameras across the campus for the safety of students, and to prevent any illegal activity.

These projects have been implemented with a grant of about ₹100 crore sanctioned to the university under the Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (PM-USHA) scheme.

The Jnanabharati campus of Bangalore University is spread over an area of ​​about 1,192 acres, and has about 52 departments, including arts, science, commerce, and law. More than 4,500 students, including under- graduate, post-graduate and research scholars, are studying in the campus, which has seven hostels for female and male students.

After the Covid-19 pandemic, all universities have emphasised digital and online education. In addition, most of the students studying in the university are preparing for various competitive exams. When reference books (study material) are not available in the library for research students, it is inevitable to go online.

Most of the students are from rural areas, and come from economically and socially backward families. They don’t have enough money to spend on internet. Therefore, the university has decided to provide 24/7 free WiFi to all students.

CCTV camera surveillance

Bangalore University is spread over a vast area and is completely surrounded by a mini-forest. There are valuable trees, including sandalwood, in the area. Hence, sandalwood theft is common. Several cases of sandalwood theft have been registered in the past. Fire accidents during summer and encroachment on university land are also common.

In addition, two major roads pass through the Jnanabharathi campus, one from Mysuru Road to Ullala, and another from Nagarbhavi to Kengeri. Due to this, accidents are common, and many students have been injured, sometimes fatally.

“The safety of students is a priority for us. In this context, it has been decided to install CCTV cameras at key locations on the Jnanabharathi campus. A final decision in this regard will be taken in the university syndicate meeting. The project will be implemented soon,” said M.S. Jayakara, Vice-Chancellor of BU.