In a significant move towards enhancing transparency and accountability, the Jharkhand Police has launched a comprehensive drive to install closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras across all police stations in the state. This initiative comes in direct compliance with a landmark order issued by the Supreme Court of India.
Directive from the Apex Court
The push for this security upgrade stems from the Supreme Court's order dated October 14, issued in a specific case (SLP 3543/2020). The court's directives comprehensively addressed the need for CCTV surveillance at police stations, detailing requirements for their positioning, operational status, and other critical factors to ensure proper monitoring.
State-Wide Assessment Begins
Acting promptly on the top court's instructions, the Jharkhand police machinery has swung into action. Inspector General (IG) of Provisions, Mayur Kanhaiyya Lal Patel, spearheaded the process on Tuesday by issuing a directive to all Senior Superintendents of Police (SSPs) and Superintendents of Police (SPs) across Jharkhand.
The officers have been asked to assess and report their specific requirements for CCTV cameras. The assessment must cover surveillance needs for:
- All rooms within the police station premises.
- Custody or lock-up rooms.
- Main entrance and exit gates.
- The exterior of the police station building and its campus.
Local Implementation in Ranchi
Following the IG's state-wide order, Ranchi SSP Rakesh Ranjan has directed all police stations under his jurisdiction to submit detailed reports. These reports must not only specify the number of cameras needed but also outline the proposed power sources to ensure uninterrupted functionality. The options include:
- Mains electricity supply
- Solar power systems
- Generator backup
- Battery power solutions
Roadmap for Execution
IG Mayur Kanhaiyya Lal Patel outlined the next steps for the project. Once the data on requirements is collated from all districts, it will be forwarded to the Jharkhand Agency for Promotion of Information Technology (JAPIT). This nodal agency will be responsible for the technical implementation and execution of the comprehensive CCTV installation plan across the state's police infrastructure.
This systematic approach ensures that the Supreme Court's mandate is translated into actionable ground-level reality, aiming to cover every nook and corner of police stations to foster a safer and more transparent environment for both citizens and officers.
