Maharashtra Minister of State for Home Affairs Yogesh Kadam assured the Legislative Assembly that a comprehensive policy regarding CCTV cameras will be developed to further strengthen the security system in urban areas of the state. He was speaking while responding to a pressing issue raised by Shivajinagar MLA Siddharth Shirole.

"Currently, Pune alone has over 10,000 CCTV cameras installed by multiple agencies—including the Police Department, District Planning Committee, Municipal Corporation, Metro authorities, and the State Transport Department. However, many of these cameras are either non-functional or neglected, with no clarity on accountability. This lack of coordination poses a significant threat to public safety," said Shirole.

Hand over CCTVs to cops: Shirole

Shirole demanded that the responsibility of all CCTV cameras should be handed over to the police department and there should be a comprehensive policy for its maintenance.

Shirole also suggested that high technology should be used to maintain surveillance even at night and a policy should be formulated on how artificial intelligence can be used in software. Considering the increasing urbanization, Shirole demanded that ten thousand more CCTVs be installed in Pune.

Kadam presented a positive role and also assured that SOPs will be made regarding the installation of CCTV and AI-enabled cameras will be installed in Pune city. Meanwhile, Chief Minister and Home Minister Devendra Fadnavis noted and appreciated his request to frame a comprehensive policy for urban CCTV surveillance systems across cities.

He assured the House that a draft policy will be prepared within the next one month to streamline installation, maintenance, and monitoring of CCTV networks—ensuring better coordination, improved security, and smarter governance for our urban centers.