STAFF REPORTER
GUWAHATI: Owners of spaces that have a congregation of people will now have to install closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras in these spaces. The Assam Government today introduced a Bill in the State Legislative Assembly which makes it mandatory for installation of CCTV cameras in all spaces that have congregation of people to ensure public safety. The owners of such spaces will have to install the surveillance equipment within a stipulated period, failing which the premise may be sealed by local authorities, as per the proposed legislation.
The Assam Public Safety (Measures) Enforcement Bill, 2023, was introduced in the House by State Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Ashok Singhal. If notified, the Act will serve as a bulwark against crime and through its enforcement, ensure public safety in areas like commercial places, industrial establishments, religious places, educational institutions, government buildings, sports complexes, residential buildings, etc.
Through this Bill, the government intends to ensure safety of citizens by mandating the use of surveillance equipment, like CCTV cameras, in spaces that usually see the congregation of people by the owners of such places. The use of data available with the owners of premises/spaces together with data available with the government from its own sources will assist in creating a safe public environment across the State.
As per this Bill, installation of CCTV surveillance at entry and exit points of establishments, public places and private buildings will be mandatory. The surveillance footage will have to be stored for 30 days. Every owner/manager/person or persons running an establishment/residential building (above G+2) will implement the public safety measures within a year from the date of commencement of the Act or before the next date of renewal of license in case of business establishment, whichever is earlier, as per the Bill.
Failing to comply with the provisions will initially attract monetary fine for the first two months, after which the premise will be sealed temporarily by the authorities.
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