Mayor decides to get CCTV cameras installed outside office

Malik contends that the cameras are being installed so that she can monitor how her staff are dealing with visitors. “At times,there are people who protest or argue outside the office. The cameras will help me keep an eye. I will also know if there are some people who have been waiting to meet me for some time,” she pointed out.

While the Mayor is claiming that the CCTV cameras are being installed to ensure that visitors are not troubled,the councillors and staff members are sceptical about the venture. Most opine that their privacy would be hampered.

With relations between the Mayor and Opposition as well as councillors of her own party not too cordial,there is speculation that she is installing the cameras to keep a check actually on their activities. “If there is a security threat,then the CCTV cameras should be installed outside the building of the Municipal Corporation and other strategic points,” said Councillor Arun Sood. “There is no need to install these only outside the office of the Mayor. It seems she just wants to keep a check on her colleagues’ activities.”

Sources informed that a proposal was initially discussed to install the CCTV cameras in the lobby where the offices of the senior deputy mayor,deputy mayor as well as the councillors room are located. The lobby is right across the Mayor’s room.

This was turned down as it was felt that it would lead to a hue and cry,with the councillors objecting. The Mayor then settled for installation of cameras outside her office.