The Ghaziabad district administration has failed to hire over 120 cameras required for poll surveillance. The administration requires about 200 video and still cameras. However, it could manage to procure about 80 cameras so far, said ADM City Ghaziabad Richhpal Singh.
“In 2012 Assembly election, we hired cameras at the rate of Rs 1,100 per camera per 12 hours. But this time no one is ready to provide the cameras in this rate. So we have written to the election officer to consider revising the rate at Rs 2,000 per camera per 12 hours,” added the ADM City.
“Presently there are 114 sector magistrates, 21 zonal magistrates 21 flying squads, 23 static surveillance teams. All these units require one each camera with them. Since there is a blanket ban on the public meetings from 10.00 pm to 6:00 am, surveillance teams need effective cameras which can capture images at night. While the payments on 200 cameras would be paid to double for 24 hours double duty with a change of operator after 12 hours shift,” added the ADM City. He said that they had apprised the Election Commission about the present state of affairs and had initiated the acquisition process from traders for smooth conduct of election.