Draft rules on CCTVs in Delhi suggest reporting mechanism, not licensing: LG Anil Baijal

In an official statement issued by Lieutenant Governor (LG) Anil Baijal's office, it is stated that that the draft rules, put out for public suggestions by the Committee, prescribes a "reporting mechanism for CCTVs and NOT a licensing mechanism".

"It is learnt from various media reports that some misconception is being spread about the draft rules for the regulation of installation of CCTVs that the draft rules prescribe a licensing mechanism," the statement read.

LG's statement further noted that over than two lakh cameras have already been installed in the city without coordination which calls for "the need for a proper framework and information mechanism so that all CCTVs in public places installed in Delhi work optimally".

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The statement cited past incidents where CCTV cameras have been misused to "violate the privacy of individuals" because of which regulatory/policy framework for installation and operation of CCTVs become necessary.

It reiterated that the rules are "only at a draft stage" and have been "put out in public domain for suggestions/clarifications".

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal tore Baijal's report on CCTV cameras in Delhi. Slamming the report, Kejriwal said, "The report of LG's committee whose members are police personnel, says if someone installs CCTV cameras in Delhi, even with their own money, they will have to get the license from the police. License means 'paisa chadhao, license le jaao' (give money and take license)."