West Bengal Elections: Enhanced Surveillance with CCTV and AI
Synopsis
As West Bengal gears up for its two-phase Assembly elections, the Election Commission of India implements advanced surveillance measures. With increased CCTV coverage, including AI technology, the polling process aims to enhance security and ensure fair voting.
Key Takeaways
Three CCTV cameras will monitor sensitive booths during elections.
AI technology will enhance surveillance capabilities.
Professional videographers will document activities in super-sensitive booths.
GPS trackers will ensure effective deployment of security personnel.
The initiative aims to promote transparency and fairness in the electoral process.
Kolkata, April 16 (NationPress) To ensure comprehensive monitoring of the electoral process in the upcoming two-phase Assembly elections in West Bengal, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has mandated the installation of three CCTV cameras in sensitive polling booths and two cameras in non-sensitive ones.
According to sources from the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) office in West Bengal, the arrangement for sensitive booths includes two cameras inside and one outside the booths.
In contrast, non-sensitive booths will feature one camera inside and one outside. These cameras will connect to the district control rooms at the offices of district magistrates, who also serve as district electoral officers, as well as to the central control room at the CEO’s office in Kolkata.
"All cameras will be equipped with artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities. If unauthorized gatherings occur within the booths, the district and central control rooms will receive alerts through this advanced technology," revealed a source from the CEO’s office.
Strategically positioned, the cameras within the booths will provide a 360-degree view of the voting activities.
Additionally, for super-sensitive booths, the Commission plans to assign professional videographers to document the electoral proceedings.
The vehicles assigned to the quick-response teams (QRTs) of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) will be equipped with GPS trackers, enabling constant oversight by the ECI-appointed central observers to verify the effective deployment of CAPF personnel on polling day.
"In previous elections in West Bengal, numerous complaints arose regarding insufficient effective utilization of deployed CAPF personnel, even on polling days. Often, QRTs were redirected to areas where their presence was less critical. In light of these concerns, the Commission has resolved to closely monitor CAPF movements this time," disclosed an insider from the CEO’s office.
Point of View
The ECI's initiative to enhance surveillance during the West Bengal elections reflects a commitment to ensuring free and fair voting. The use of AI and extensive CCTV coverage is a significant step towards transparency in the electoral process.
NationPress
3 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
How many CCTV cameras will be installed in sensitive booths?
Sensitive booths will have three CCTV cameras—two inside and one outside.
What technology will be used in the CCTV cameras?
The CCTV cameras will be equipped with artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities.
What measures are being taken for super-sensitive booths?
Professional videographers will be assigned to record the polling proceedings in super-sensitive booths.
How will the quick-response teams be monitored?
Vehicles for the quick-response teams will be fitted with GPS trackers for constant monitoring.
What prompted the increased surveillance measures?
Past complaints regarding the ineffective utilization of CAPF personnel during elections led to these enhanced measures.
