The Delhi Government is all set to fund and install CCTV cameras in police stations. Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s office had on April 10 written to Police Commissioner B S Bassi on the need for surveillance in police stations to prevent harassment of complainants by policemen. The government took a clear stand that it legally had a say in police functioning. It also reiterated its commitment to install CCTV cameras across the capital, and asked police to furnish a list of spots where women are the most vulnerable. The letter further pointed out that beat constables on patrol were inaccessible.
Police didn’t respond. Then the government sent a reminder. Police still didn’t respond. Then the Supreme Court issued them directions to install cameras at police stations within two months and file an action-taken report. Police had to act.
Last month, Delhi Police wrote an affirmative reply to the home department. Subsequently, the government tasked the Public Works Department with the drafting of a plan, working out the logistics and financial implications based on police’s requirements.
In the meantime, the transport department is preparing a proposal to expand a pilot project to install CCTVs in about 5,000 DTC buses. About 200 buses already have surveillance cameras without Wi-Fi. Three CCTV cameras have been installed in each bus for full coverage of the seating area. The CCTV system has been made compatible to the operation system of the buses. So far it has been found to be functioning well. A proposal to install CCTVs in all buses will be presented before the state cabinet before Delhi Assembly’s budget session which is likely to be scheduled after June 15. The project is likely to cost the government approximately Rs 100 crore.
