BackKarnataka govt approves ₹667 cr for Nirbhaya fund
Under the Nirbhaya Fund, 7,500 cameras to be installed in Bengaluru for women’s safetyThe approval comes a day after the NCRB released data for 2017 showing a rise in crimes against women across India
PremiumBENGALURU : The Karnataka government on Tuesday approved ₹667 crore for various projects for women’s safety, including the installation of 7,500 cameras in Bengaluru, under the Nirbhaya Fund.
J.C. Madhuswamy, the state minister for law, parliamentary affairs and minor irrigation, said the cabinet had given its nod for the proposed “safe city project" for women which would include installation of global information system mapping, among other infrastructure.
“This will include the installation of street lights, cameras, panic buttons that will be monitored round the clock by a command and control centre," Madhuswamy said in Bengaluru on Tuesday.
Under the scheme, to be be implemented in phases over three years, the authorities propose to have a total of 16000 cameras that include day/night surveillance, fixed cameras, automated number plate recognition (ANPR),
Facial recognition cameras, drone based and even body worn cameras among other types.
The cabinet approval comes a day after the National Crime Records Bureau released data for 2017 showing a rise in crimes against women across India. The Centre’s safe city proposal comprises eight cities, including Bengaluru, Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, Lucknow, Ahmedabad and Kolkata. Madhuswamy said the Centre will foot 60% of the project cost, while 40% will be borne by the state.
However, CCTV surveillance infrastructure have not been of much help in deterring criminals in Bengaluru due to poor maintenance and quality of equipment. “Technology has helped in solving crimes, but not deter them," said a senior police official, requesting anonymity.
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