Mangaluru: The state government has passed the Karnataka Public Safety (Measures) Enforcement Bill according to which, it is mandatory for private establishments such as schools, colleges, apartments, commercial buildings and various public locations to install CCTV cameras. Also the cameras installed must be compulsorily of high resolution.

The Government regulations stipulate, it is mandatory to install CCTV cameras at public places, informed DCP (Law and Order) Hanumantaraya spoke during the monthly SC/ST grievance redressal meeting at the Mangaluru City Police Commissioner’s office on Sunday July 29th.

As the government has already passed the Karnataka State Public Safety Bill in the Assembly, soon it will be officially notified as an Act, through the state gazette. According to this law, CC cameras should be mandatorily installed at all buildings providing service to the public. The road map has been issued on number of CC cameras, their resolution and other points, he added.

Failure to install CC cameras will attract notice, followed by fine. On nonpayment of fine, the local administration will be informed to cancel the license or there is opportunity to seize the goods. The police has been empowered to take this action. There is also opportunity in the law for the police to check if the CC cameras have been installed or not with the cooperation of the local administration.

The law gives scope for Trade Unions or Merchants’ Associations, to create a sectoral committee made up of merchandise representatives. Every institution or association must appoint a staff to look after the CC camera’s maintenance. To check the CC camera footage, the police commissioner or the superintendent of police will have to establish a special division for it.

A supervisory committee will have to be created under the leadership of the police commissioner. The building owners or managers will regularly have to submit a report on the safety provided to the public in their buildings.