Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Member of Parliament from Meerut, Arun Govil, has made a significant intervention in Parliament, calling for enhanced security measures at religious and educational institutions across the country. During the Zero Hour in the Lok Sabha on Thursday, December 4, 2025, the actor-turned-politician urged the Central Government to mandate the installation of closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras in all mosques and madrasas, framing it as a critical issue of national security.
Security Parity and a National Policy
Arun Govil emphasized that surveillance cameras are now a common feature in numerous public spaces across India. He pointed out that temples, churches, gurudwaras, schools, colleges, hospitals, and markets widely use this technology, which has proven effective for ensuring security, promoting transparency, and aiding in crime prevention.
"However, this system is still not implemented in mosques and madrasas despite them being major public and community places where security is equally important," Govil stated in the House. To address this perceived gap, he urged the government to draft a uniform national security policy that would make CCTV installation compulsory at all religious places. The objective, he said, is to safeguard the security of India's 140 crore citizens.
International Precedent: The Mecca Example
To bolster his argument, the Meerut MP drew a direct comparison with security protocols observed in Saudi Arabia. He noted that CCTV cameras are installed in Mecca, the holiest site in Islam, and in madrasas there, due to security concerns.
"If this system can be adopted there (Mecca), why is there a hesitation in implementing the same security standards in India?" Govil questioned. He stressed that security measures should be universal and non-discriminatory. "Because security is neither religious nor discriminatory. Security is always in the interest of the nation and human beings," he asserted.
The Politician Behind the Proposal
Arun Govil is widely recognized for his iconic portrayal of Lord Ram in the legendary television series 'Ramayan' during the 1980s. He entered electoral politics and successfully contested the 2024 Lok Sabha elections from Meerut, winning by a margin of just over 10,000 votes in his first attempt. His raised the issue as a matter of public importance during the Zero Hour, a parliamentary device where MPs can raise urgent matters.
The call for heightened surveillance in specific community spaces is likely to spark discussions on the balance between security, privacy, and communal harmony. Govil's appeal places the onus on the central government to consider formulating a broader security framework that includes all religious institutions.
