State Plans Single CCTV Policy to Standardise Surveillance Across Public and Private Spaces

Mumbai: In a move aimed at bringing clarity and consistency to the rapidly expanding surveillance network, the state government has decided to frame a comprehensive policy governing the installation and use of CCTV cameras. The decision comes amid growing dependence on CCTV systems for public safety, crime prevention and law-and-order management.

Over the past few years, CCTV cameras have become a common feature across cities and towns, covering locations such as roads, housing societies, commercial complexes, shopping malls, theatres, offices and small businesses. However, the absence of uniform standards has led to wide variations in camera quality, technical specifications, data storage practices and maintenance procedures. Officials believe this gap often affects the usefulness of CCTV footage during investigations.

To address these concerns, the government has announced the formation of a high-level committee tasked with drafting a single, state-wide CCTV policy. The proposed framework will lay down clear norms related to camera specifications, supporting equipment, installation methods, maintenance responsibilities and long-term operational standards.

The policy will also focus on how CCTV footage can be effectively and legally used for law enforcement purposes, including crime detection, investigation and prosecution. Authorities say the aim is to ensure that surveillance systems not only exist in large numbers but also deliver reliable and admissible evidence when required.

A nine-member committee has been constituted for this purpose, bringing together senior officials from key departments. The panel includes Additional Chief Secretaries from finance, urban development and public works, the Director General of Police, principal secretaries from rural development and information technology, the transport commissioner, and a senior home department official who will serve as the committee’s member secretary.

According to the government resolution, the decision to formulate a unified CCTV policy follows extensive discussions in the state legislature, where lawmakers highlighted the need for standardised surveillance norms. While several departments already follow internal guidelines for CCTV usage, the new policy is expected to streamline practices across all sectors.