Haryana CCIs to Get Wider CCTV Coverage, Six-Month Footage Backup Recommended

The Haryana Human Rights Commission (HHRC) has recommended adequate and effective CCTV surveillance in all Child Care Institutions (CCIs) across the state to strengthen the safety and security of children.

The Commission, comprising Chairperson Justice Lalit Batra, Member (Judicial) Kuldip Jain and Member Deep Bhatia, issued the recommendation while hearing a complaint concerning alleged assault on children at the Place of Safety, Madhuban, in Karnal. A police inquiry, based on available CCTV footage and other material, could not substantiate the allegations against the institution's staff. The inquiry also found no commission of any cognizable offence.

However, during the proceedings, the Commission examined broader safety arrangements in CCIs and found that CCTV footage at Place of Safety-I, Madhuban, was retained for only one month. It recommended that recording, storage and backup facilities be strengthened to preserve footage for a minimum of six months.

The Commission also noted that cameras were not installed inside dormitories or rooms where children reside. CCTV cameras were installed at several other locations, including outside dormitories and washrooms, entry and exit points, corridors, playgrounds and the boundary wall.

Referring to Rule 67(12) of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Model Rules, 2016, the Commission said cameras should cover key locations such as entry and exit points, reception, corridors, kitchen, pantry/store rooms, dormitories and washroom access points, while ensuring children's privacy and dignity.

The recommendation covers all CCIs, including Children's Homes, Open Shelters, Observation Homes, Special Homes, Places of Safety, Specialised Adoption Agencies and Fit Facilities. The Women and Child Development Department has been asked to coordinate with Deputy Commissioners and review CCTV arrangements in every CCI. District-wise compliance reports will detail camera coverage, functionality, dormitory surveillance and corrective measures.

The department will compile a state-level compliance report for submission to the Commission. HHRC Assistant Registrar Dr Puneet Arora said the next hearing has been fixed for February 4, 2027.