Anil Baijal forms panel on CCTV setup

New Delhi:  Amid Congress’ corruption claims against the AAP government’s ambitious CCTV project, lieutenant-governor (L-G) Anil Baijal on Tuesday constituted a high-level committee to prepare a common framework for installing, operating, and monitoring CCTV cameras in the national capital.

The standard operating procedure (SOP) will address the issues of uniformity in installation as well as issues of privacy, security, feed sharing, integration, and optimum utilisation of the CCTVs.

Principal secretary (home) Manoj Parida has been appointed the chairman of the committee and he has been asked to submit his report within 30 days.

“The committee will recommend a standard operating procedure to address the issues of uniformity in installation as well as issues of privacy, security, feed-sharing, integration and optimum utilisation,” a statement released by the L-G office said.

The committee will also recommend norms for installing CCTV cameras in public places.

While the use of surveillance cameras helps improve safety and prevent incidents of crimes, there have been reported instances of misuse of CCTVs for intrusion and compromises on privacy of individuals, the statement stated.

Mr Baijal has also sought a mechanism to inform, wherever applicable, members of public that they are under surveillance.  

“While the use of surveillance cameras helps improve safety and prevent incidents of crimes, there have been reported instances of misuse of CCTVs for intrusion and compromises on privacy/safety of individuals... The privacy concerns related to installation of CCTVs have, therefore, to be addressed appropriately and effectively,” the statement added.