Commissioner makes CCTV cameras in shops mandatory

Beefing up security:Shops have been asked to install one CCTV camera inside the shop and another one outside.

Puducherry Municipality Commissioner R. Chandirasekaran on Monday directed all shops and establishments coming under the municipal limits to install CCTV cameras within 10 days. “We have introduced norms to make it mandatory and any violation will attract penalty,” he said.

Addressing the media, he said that no trading licence would be granted to shops and establishments that fail to install the cameras. They should install one inside the shop and another one outside to monitor activities.

“These cameras should be of good quality where recovery of at least a month’s footages is possible. There are many service providers in Puducherry who could install CCTV cameras. This norm has been introduced in the interest of the traders,” he said. He added that safety should be of utmost priority.

Trade licence

The Municipal Commissioner called upon all the traders, industrial and commercial establishments to obtain and renew their trade licence. According to a survey conducted by the municipal authorities in Puducherry, only 6,400 shops, industrial and commercial establishments have obtained trade licence.

However, nearly 18,000 shops have been established without any licence.

“We are conducting door-to-door verification to check if the shops have obtained licences. If not, we are issuing the application on the spot and requesting them to obtain or renew the license at the earliest,” he said.

Nearly seven municipal employees have been engaged to conduct the door-to-door verification. They have completed the process in Bharathi Street, JN Street, Chinna Subbarayalu and Bussy Street.

Mr.Chandirasekaran added that the shops that fail to comply will be sealed. “In the process of verification of trade licence, we are also issuing notice if any encroachment is noticed. We have not involved any agents in this. The traders should contact the concerned municipal authorities directly to get the trade licence,” he said.

He added that a proper database of shops, industries and commercial establishments is needed to frame policies.

‘Trading licence will not be issued if shops, establishments fail to install cameras within 10 days’