The surveillance network, comprising 720 IP-based CCTV cameras, was installed in April 2023 at a cost of Rs 2 crore
In a major lapse, almost 98 per cent of the closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras installed in sub-registrar and joint registrar offices across Punjab have been found non-functional, undermining efforts to monitor public dealings and curb illegal practices in property registrations.
A recent inspection across 180 sub-registrar and joint registrar offices revealed that only the offices in Ropar, Amritsar, and Dhuri had operational cameras. The remaining 177 facilities were found to have malfunctioning surveillance systems.
The surveillance network, comprising 720 IP-based CCTV cameras, was installed in April 2023 at a cost of Rs 2 crore. Each office was equipped with four cameras to provide real-time monitoring for senior Revenue Department officials in Chandigarh as well as Deputy Commissioners (DCs) and Sub-Divisional Magistrates (SDMs) in respective districts.
Top Officials Take Serious Note
Additional Chief Secretary (ACS) for Revenue, Anurag Verma, expressed strong dissatisfaction over the situation, directing DCs to ensure the cameras are fully operational by 31 January. He also instructed them to conduct daily surprise checks using the CCTV feeds to monitor office activities.
While revenue officials refrained from commenting on the reasons behind the cameras’ failure, sources indicated that deliberate tampering by office staff was under investigation. Additionally, officials are examining issues such as poor internet connectivity and irregular power supply, which could be contributing to the problem.
The role of respective SDMs for failing to ensure regular monitoring of the system is also being scrutinised.
Focus On Transparency & Public Service
Verma, who has been personally monitoring activities at registrar offices, highlighted the importance of the surveillance system. “The CCTVs were installed to ensure transparency in the registration of sale deeds and other documents and to prevent harassment of visitors,” he said.
The discovery of non-functional cameras comes shortly after Verma sought explanations from sub-registrars in Hoshiarpur, Mohali, Jalandhar, and Amritsar for delays and alleged harassment of visitors. The action followed numerous complaints about officials arriving late for work, causing inconvenience to those visiting the offices for property-related documentation.
Call For Accountability
The ACS’s directive underscores the urgent need to restore the surveillance system and improve accountability in public offices. Ensuring the operational status of these CCTVs is seen as a critical step toward promoting transparency and maintaining public trust in the property registration process.