(Image source from: Mass surveillance prominence in Andhra Pradesh!})
The prominent fact remain that the Andhra Pradesh government in a firm move intending towards betterment of anti-terror surveillance systems across the state has known to have initiated with a new law that implements installation of Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras mandatory at all key establishments as well as public places. The state legislative assembly passed the bill understanding for certain public safety measures in all establishments in view of the recurring incidence of terrorist attacks. The AP Public Safety (Measures) Enforcement Act, 2013 makes it compulsory for all establishments, where a gathering of 100 or beyond people is expected at a time, to understanding access controls at the same time install CCTV surveillance cameras.
J Geeta Reddy who is the Stare Major Industries Minister speaking on the bill in the state assembly, said the legislation, in the initial phase, will cover 18 municipal corporations across the state inclusive of the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad, Visakhapatnam and Vijayawada. The urgency for effective as well fool-proof CCTV cameras was realized in the upshot of terror attacks in the busy Dilsukhnagar shopping area in the city on February 21 this year. Certain CCTV cameras in the area were found to be defective during others could not provide a clear footage of the suspects carrying the bombs in tiffin boxes. Elucidating the objectives of the legislation, the minister expressed that the government realized that there is an urgency to introduce certain public safety measures in all establishments in view of the recurring incidents of terrorist violence affecting public safety along with security.
According to the legislation, the managements of commercial and industrial establishments will be required to mount electronic surveillance on their respective premises with a provision to store the video footage for 30 days. There would be a requirement to file “periodical returns” to the appointed authority once in six months. Failure to obey with the provisions of the legislation will further to obligation of a fine of Rs5,000 for the first month and Rs10,000 for the second month. Emphasizing on the necessity the state government would be installing 5,000 CCTV cameras at all public places along with the junctions for surveillance.
CCTV surveillance cameras is indeed a fabulous realization accompanied by an initiative to dominate terrorist violence and gradually impose severe punishment when the criminals are caught. But perfection in the implementation of the security service is also mandatory by regular monitoring so that it can seize the culprit when necessary. The technology must in perfect use with out causing any such defects or technical issues giving chance for the criminals to escape.
(AW:Samrat Biswas)
