In the age of surveillance, where every movement is captured through lenses and monitored like a third eye, the Punjab Government has rolled out a move to enhance the functioning and accountability of its tehsils. Just as a camera lens zooms in to uncover details, the government has now set its sights on improving transparency and curbing corruption. But a recent inspection has revealed that only three out of the 180 CCTV cameras installed in Sub-Registrar and Joint Sub-Registrar offices across the state are currently operational. With an urgent deadline in place, the Punjab Government has now mandated that all cameras must be functional by January 31, 2025, or face action.
To streamline public dealings and eliminate any possibility of malpractices, the Punjab Government had set up CCTV cameras in all the Sub-Registrar and Joint Sub-Registrar offices across the state. These offices, where crucial tasks like land registry, verification of wills, and other services take place, have long been viewed as hotspots for potential corruption.
The installation of CCTV cameras was aimed at ensuring smooth operations, increasing transparency, and protecting citizens from exploitation. The government’s intention was clear — to ensure that people visiting these offices for land transactions or other services face no undue hardships, and that their work is done properly, without any corruption or delay.
However, a recent surprise inspection has raised alarms. The results were far from satisfactory as only three of the 180 cameras across Punjab's tehsils were found to be working. This startling discovery has led to serious concerns about the effectiveness of the initiative.
In response, the Punjab Government, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, has issued an official directive demanding that all CCTV cameras be made functional by January 31, 2025. Deputy Commissioners across the state have been instructed to ensure immediate action is taken to fix or replace malfunctioning cameras.
The directive also outlined specific measures to hold accountable those responsible for maintaining these surveillance systems. Each Sub-Registrar and Joint Sub-Registrar office is required to have four cameras installed — two inside the office – where critical transactions such as ID verification take place; and two outside – where the public waits.
The cameras are intended to allow the Deputy Commissioners to monitor the efficiency of operations and ensure no difficulties are faced by the public, especially in the registration of wills and land transactions. By maintaining a continuous watch, the Government aimed at bringing in more transparency, helping to root out irregularities and corruption.
Emphasizing the importance of monitoring these cameras regularly, the Government maintained that the CCTV system is IP-based, which allows officials to access live feeds on their computers or mobile devices, making it easier for them to monitor the work being carried out at any Sub-Registrar or Joint Sub-Registrar office at any given time.
Further instructions have been issued for the regular checking of these live feeds to ensure that there are no lapses in surveillance. Deputy Commissioners are also tasked with conducting surprise checks to ensure that the system is functioning properly, and that public is not facing any issues in availing themselves of services.
This crackdown on malfunctioning CCTV cameras is a part of a broader initiative by the Punjab Government to reduce corruption and ensure a more citizen-friendly administration. In addition to the installation of cameras, the Government has also launched an anti-corruption helpline, through which citizens can report any irregularities or issues faced during their dealings in the tehsils. With live footage serving as an additional layer of scrutiny, the authorities are hopeful that this initiative will not only curb corruption but also restore public trust in the system.
BOX: Third Eye on Punjab’s Tehsils
· All CCTVs installed in Sub-Registrar and Joint Sub-Registrar offices to be made functional by Jan 31
· Each office must have four CCTVs — two inside, and two outside
· DCs directed to Regularly Monitor CCTV Feeds on computers or mobile devices
· DCs asked to conduct surprise inspections using live footage from CCTVs
· In case of non-operational cameras, contact installation company immediately for repairs or replacements
· DCs asked to conduct daily checks of CCTVs to ensure these are fully functional