The move comes in response to a recent discussion in the Legislative Assembly, where BJP MLA Yogesh Sagar raised concerns over the inconsistent installation and monitoring of surveillance cameras across the state
The Maharashtra state government is set to hold a high-level meeting to explore the possibility of mandating commercial establishments and developers to install advanced CCTV cameras as part of an effort to strengthen the state’s security infrastructure. The discussion will focus on whether these installations can be made a prerequisite for obtaining or renewing permissions from local authorities, in line with parameters set by the home department.
The move comes in response to a recent discussion in the Legislative Assembly, where BJP MLA Yogesh Sagar raised concerns over the inconsistent installation and monitoring of surveillance cameras across the state. During a debate prompted by a calling-attention notice, Sagar proposed making it compulsory for businesses and developers to integrate high-tech surveillance systems into their premises.
“Shops should be asked to install cameras whenever they approach the BMC [Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation] for renewal of permissions. Similarly, developers should be given IOD [intimation of disapproval] with a condition of installing cameras, that too with specifications and parameters given by the home department. Shops could be asked to share the cost of installation,” Sagar stated.
Inter-Departmental Coordination Needed
Responding to the proposal, Minister of State for Home Yogesh Kadam acknowledged the importance of enhanced surveillance but noted that the urban development department governs municipal corporations and developers. He suggested that implementing such a policy would require coordination among multiple departments.
“The suggestions are good. But a joint meeting of home, urban development, and information technology departments will be needed to see whether it can be implemented. A meeting will be called on this, and Yogesh Sagar will be invited for the same,” Kadam said.
The issue of CCTV installation has long been a point of discussion in Maharashtra, with various agencies—including local bodies, the police, and legislators using MLA funds or district planning and development committee (DPDC) allocations—responsible for different surveillance projects. However, legislators highlighted inconsistencies in camera specifications, lack of coordination between agencies, and insufficient manpower for monitoring the footage.
Need For Unified Policy
Kadam acknowledged the gaps in implementation, stating that while multiple agencies handle the installation of cameras, the home department is primarily responsible for monitoring them. He admitted that the absence of a standardised policy has led to confusion and inefficiencies.
“It is true that many times the cameras are not as per the specifications of the home department. Many agencies install cameras; the home department’s role is limited to monitoring. Tendering, installation, and maintenance are the responsibility of the respective agency. Hence, it is true that a unified policy and SoP [standard operating procedure] for installation is needed, and the government will soon try to have the same implemented,” he assured.
AI-Driven Surveillance To Strengthen Crime Prevention
Highlighting the future of surveillance technology, Kadam revealed that the state police are now transitioning to artificial intelligence-driven CCTV cameras. These systems will not only assist in solving crimes but also play a proactive role in crime prevention.
“It is not possible to have a screen for every network of cameras. Nor does one have the manpower to monitor every camera. Hence, all efforts will be made to ensure that CCTV cameras installed—no matter by which government agency—are AI-driven and have integrated systems for data collected through these technologies,” he explained.
With Maharashtra’s urban centres facing growing security challenges, the upcoming inter-departmental discussions could pave the way for a more streamlined, technology-driven surveillance strategy. The government’s focus on AI-driven monitoring may also address concerns regarding manpower shortages while improving efficiency in tracking and preventing criminal activities.
As the state moves towards a more digitised security framework, the final decision on making CCTV installations mandatory for businesses and developers will depend on the feasibility assessments and recommendations made in the forthcoming meetings.
