Scaled-Back Surveillance: Selective Use of Body-Worn Cameras Set for Polling Centres

The previously approved plan to purchase 40,000 body-worn cameras for ensuring security at polling centres in the upcoming national election will no longer be implemented. Instead, cameras will be deployed only at centres identified as vulnerable.

Additionally, due to rising demand, the Advisory Committee on Public Procurement and the Advisory Committee on Economic Affairs are preparing to approve budget allocations for one crore (10 million) e-passport books and 17,000 shotguns for Ansar, as many Ansar firearms have become outdated and need replacement before the election.

The decision was taken at the meeting of the Economic Affairs Advisory Committee on Tuesday, 18 November, according to Economic Adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed.

Following the meeting, when asked about body-worn cameras in the context of the upcoming election, the economic adviser told journalists:

“A lot of reviews have been done regarding body cameras. Initially the plan was for a large quantity. So we instructed them to reassess and return. The cost will be determined, and most importantly, we want a transparent procurement process.”

He added:

“Body cameras will be introduced, but in a more rational capacity. We have suggested—and in fact the Ministry of Home Affairs has recommended—that cameras be deployed only in sensitive locations.”

Noting that it is not feasible to equip all polling centres with such cameras, Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed further said:

“There is the issue of monitoring—images will come in and actions must be taken accordingly. Therefore, they will purchase the cameras for sensitive areas after discussions with the Election Commission.”

When asked whether the previous plan to purchase 40,000 body cameras would now be reduced, the economic adviser clarified again that the earlier decision to buy 40,000 units has been dropped. Instead, the cameras will be deployed only at high-risk centres, and the procurement will be conducted transparently through discussions between the Election Commission (EC) and the Ministry of Home Affairs.

He further stated that due to increased demand, a budget allocation has been approved for purchasing one crore e-passport books. Additionally, considering the shortage of vaccines, EPI vaccines will be procured. Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed also mentioned that to stabilize market prices before Ramadan, the government will import rice and wheat.

DBTech/AS/IK/OR