In an exclusive interview with Higher Education Review Magazine, Ashish P. Dhakan, MD & CEO, Prama-Hikvision India shares his insights on the role of smart technology in shaping the educational experiences of future students and the security that is needed to accommodate this development. He is a visionary first-generation entrepreneur known for his exceptional foresight and passion. He has elevated the security industry in India by establishing new standards of excellence. He has been a strong advocate for the Indian security sector, actively contributing through various industry bodies and forums.

Smart Campus trends can empower India’s fast-growing education sector through digital transformation and smart security solutions. A Smart Campus is an aspirational mandate in the Indian educational scenarios, where most educational institutions grapple with challenges of resources and fund allocations. India, too, can adopt the Smart Campus concept by implementing innovative integration of video Security Cameras, Access Control, Intrusion and Perimeter Systems onto a digital platform. It looks like a farfetched plan, but considering the success story of UPI digital payment, one can’t negate the possibility of another success story of ‘Smart Campus’ emerging from the Indian education sector. In this, Smart Security and Digital Learning can play a major role in implementing the Smart Campus initiative.

Smart Campus is an evolving technology driven concept, where advanced network infrastructure and internet-connected devices to provide supportive and engaging experiences. It joins people, devices, and applications and allows institutions to make insight-driven decisions to improve security and maximize resources.

India’s Resurgent Education Sector

India has the largest population in the world in the age bracket of 5-24 years, with 580 million people, presenting a huge opportunity in the education sector. India has over 250 million school-going students, more than any other country. India's K-12 segment growth was valued at US$ 48.9 billion in 2023. It is currently estimated to grow at a rate of 10.7%. Projected to reach an impressive US$ 125.8 billion by 2032. India has a large English-speaking population, which allows easy delivery of educational products. India was ranked 52nd out of 111 countries in the English Proficiency Index 2022. Nine Indian institutes - the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) in Bengaluru and eight Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) - were among the top 500 universities in the QS World University Rankings 2023. There is a provision of 100% FDI (automatic route), which is allowed in the education sector in India. The Government of India has taken initiatives like the National Accreditation Regulatory Authority Bill for Higher Education and the Foreign Educational Institutions Bill. The education market in India is expected to grow up to US$ 225 billion by 2025.

Transformation Tips

The plan of transforming institutes in India into Smart Campuses involves integrating advanced technologies and sustainable practices to enhance the learning environment and operational efficiency. Here are some key steps to achieve this:

Digital Infrastructure

Ensure robust Wi-Fi connectivity across the campus along with well equipped classrooms with interactive whiteboards, projectors, and digital learning tools. Also implement learning platforms for online course management and resources.

Institutes must use IoT sensors to optimize energy consumption by adjusting lighting and temperature based on occupancy and implement biometric or RFID-based systems for efficient attendance monitoring.

Sustainable Practices:

Install solar panels and energy-efficient appliances to reduce carbon footprint and install rainwater harvesting and smart irrigation systems while having efficient waste segregation and recycling systems in place.

Data Analytics:

Data analytics is a powerful tool to monitor and improve student performance and engagement, and this data can be analyzed to optimize the use of resources like classrooms, labs, and libraries.

Cloud-based platforms for collaboration among students, faculty, and administrators are a necessity, coupled with access to virtual labs and simulations to gain practical learning experiences.

Sustainability and Cleanliness:

Promote activities like tree planting, clean-up drives, and eco-friendly practices. By adopting these technologies and practices, institutes can create a more efficient, sustainable, and engaging learning environment, preparing students for the future.

Smart Campus Solutions

As students spend the bulk of their day in school, campus security is of paramount importance to every administrator and every parent. In order to develop an effective security system, all the possible risks – including campus break-ins, theft, and other threats – must be fully considered. There are various AIoT-based security solutions, offering a comprehensive On- and Off-Campus Security Solution covering school buses, gates, perimeters, buildings, and campus roads, with a wealth of security applications for vehicle, personnel, and alarm management. These ensure students, parents, and administrators can avail a secure and serene learning environment on a smart campus.

Advanced video security technologies and solutions can enable students’ safety and security on and off campus. Advanced Video Analytics and AI enabled solutions are helping to increase the security quotient in the Smart Campuses. It offers a wide range of video security solutions to match every possible security scenario on educational campuses.

School bus monitoring solutions can locate and track vehicles via real-time GIS maps with HD video for instant monitoring and review. The video security system enjoys great stability and reliability at all times.  Parents and school administrators will receive immediate notification when students swipe the RFID card while onboarding the school bus. And upon potential emergencies, precautionary measures can be taken in a timely manner with effective detection.

Securing Campus Perimeter

It is advisable to use technology to accurately detect potential risks around school perimeter and enhance the overall security. Even in poor light environments like during nights, thermographic cameras can be used for effective intruder detection.

For large outdoor areas such as playground, the video security system provides simultaneous large scale panoramic monitoring and clear details when suspicious situations or strangers are found.

Use the compact indoor mini cameras for a panoramic view of the kitchen, paying extra attention to the sanitation of the kitchen and making sure all food-related operations conform to standards. And students and staff can rest and enjoy their food assured. These cameras can also help to secure the recreation areas.

By using Automatic Number Plate Recognition(ANPR) Cameras at the entrance gate of the campus, one can restrict the unregistered vehicles on the campus.

Restricting unauthorized entry into Campus

One of the biggest challenges faced by the educational institutions, is the presence of lots of unauthorized persons in the campus; this often creates a law and order problem. Restricting unauthorized entry into Campus by using Facial Recognition Terminals as Access Control Devices, makes Smart Campuses secure by design.

Road Ahead

We must dedicate ourselves to India’s vision for ‘Viksit Bharat -2047’. This can be fulfilled through the technology led digital learning revolution, where safety, security, smartness (AI-enabled intelligence) and sustainability would be the key drivers. We hope the latest transformative technologies would empower the future generations with Smart Campuses and many smart learning tools.

Now, the Smart Campus concept is getting popular in India, and some of the few high-profile educational institutions have implemented the Smart Security, Automation, Sustainability and Digital Transformation mandate in all their branches and affiliate institutions. The high cost and technology awareness gaps are a big barrier to implementing the Smart Campuses in India. As India’s economy and stature are on the rise, we can be hopeful that there will be many more smart campuses along with smart cities in the near future. One thing is for sure: the Smart Campus trend can help to achieve the Viksit Bharat -2047  goal through Digital Transformation and Smart Security initiatives.