Many business unit owners in Srinagar are up in arms against the government order which directs them to install CCTV surveillance cameras. Traders say they suffered financially during the coronavirus pandemic and they cannot afford expensive surveillance cameras.
Although many in the business fraternity have welcomed the government directive, small business owners say buying cameras is beyond their monetary reach.
Firdous Malik owns a small furnishing store in the Hawal area of Srinagar. Despite being in the furnishing business for decades, he says he will not install cameras by his own will.
“If the government is serious about the order, they should come forward and help traders with monetary assistance,” Malik said.
A survey in the markets of Srinagar city suggests the minimal cost for installing a CCTV setup ranges from 15,000 to 20,000 Rupees. Traders say the amount is high for the small business establishments they own. Syed Sajad, who owns a grocery store welcomes the government decision but voiced monetary concerns. “It is a welcome decision but the administration needs to understand that an ordinary shopkeeper cannot afford to install the camera setup”, he said.
“Government should provide financial assistance to those who cannot afford it” he added.
Recently, Chamber of Commerce and Industry Kashmir CCIK President Tariq Rashid Ghani urged the government to provide financial assistance to the traders for the purchase of CCTV cameras.
The CCIK President said every trader can’t afford to install CCTV cameras and thus should be limited to big business houses who can afford it. He, however, said the government can encourage traders to install the surveillance cameras by offering it on subsidized rates and installments through financial implications. After the request of the CCIK President, SSP Srinagar agreed to allow more time to traders till Eid for the installation of surveillance cameras.
