Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi on Saturday, 10 October 2026, announced the state government's plan to connect all CCTV cameras across Gujarat to a single unified dashboard, and to integrate technology developed by young student innovators into core police functions — including FIR registration and cybercrime resolution. Sanghavi made the announcement while addressing the grand finale of the E-Rakshak Hackathon at the Sardar Vallabhbhai National Institute of Technology (SVNIT) in Surat.

What the Unified Dashboard Aims to Achieve

The proposed CCTV integration initiative is designed to give law enforcement a centralised, real-time view of surveillance feeds across the state. Sanghavi emphasised that the government wants to prioritise software-based solutions to reduce dependence on frequently changing hardware — a deliberate pivot to platform resilience over equipment cycles.

'Changes in hardware and camera models introduced by major companies could increase government expenditure, making sustainable software solutions an important priority,' Sanghavi said. He also underlined the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) integrated with CCTV systems to improve traffic management, noting that 'even a 15-second reduction in waiting time at traffic signals could save millions of people valuable time and fuel.'

E-Rakshak Hackathon: Scale and Scope

The E-Rakshak Hackathon was jointly organised by Surat City Police and SVNIT's NEXUS unit. A total of 458 students from colleges across the country registered for the competition, with 150 students representing 31 teams advancing to the grand finale. The participating teams came from colleges affiliated with more than 13 universities across six states, with a focus on developing cybersecurity, digital safety, and cybercrime prevention solutions.

Surat Police Commissioner Wabang Jamir confirmed that the hackathon was structured to channel student innovation toward real-world policing challenges. Deputy Commissioner of Police (Cyber Crime) Bishakha Jain noted that organisers had identified nine to ten problem statements through surveys conducted at police stations. 'These focused on everyday difficulties faced by citizens and operational challenges encountered by police personnel,' she said.

Government's Startup and Entrepreneurship Push

Beyond policing technology, Sanghavi used the occasion to direct student entrepreneurs toward existing government support frameworks. He referenced Gujarat's industrial and startup policies, MSME initiatives, and science and technology sector schemes. He noted that eligible entrepreneurs could receive assistance covering office rent, marketing costs, operational expenses, salaries, and cloud subscriptions, in addition to support available through the Startup India Seed Fund Scheme.

Provisions for women entrepreneurs were also highlighted. Sanghavi assured participants that the state government is prepared to function as a risk partner for startups, sharing the risks involved in converting innovative ideas into deployable solutions.

Cybercrime Record and Government Intent

Sanghavi commended the Surat Cyber Crime Team for dismantling cybercrime rackets operating at both national and international levels. He reiterated that the government intends to co-develop technology with young innovators to help prevent crime and improve the operational efficiency of police forces. This comes amid a broader national push to modernise law enforcement through digital tools, with multiple state governments exploring AI-assisted surveillance and cyber-intelligence systems.

Notably, integrating student-built technology into formal police workflows — rather than treating hackathons as purely academic exercises — marks a shift in how Gujarat is approaching public-safety innovation. Whether these prototypes will see structured procurement and pilot rollout remains the critical next step to watch.