Now, MP funds for CCTV cameras

Members of Parliament can now recommend funds for providing CCTV camera system under the Member of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS) for security surveillance at strategic locations in the country.

The Centre has granted the demand of the MPs to allow them to use the funds from MPLADS for installing CCTV camera system for security surveillance at strategic locations in the country on the request of district police or security agencies.

The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation has modified the existing MPLADS guidelines to allow MPs to recommend installation of CCTV camera system. As per the modified guidelines, CCTV camera system should be installed in a fixed manner at places belonging to central government or state government or local self government.

A committee under District Magistrate with representative of district police or security agency should select the equipment which would be procured as per the prescribed state procedure.

The equipment purchased from MPLADS funds will be maintained by user agency and no recurring expenses would be permissible, according to modified guidelines.

MPs have been seeking change in the scheme’s rules for providing CCTV camera system in view of the increased security threats.