Arun Govil calls for mandatory CCTV installation in mosques and madrasas citing national security concerns, urging uniform surveillance in all religious institutions to enhance public safety.
By Qalam Times News Network | New Delhi | December 7, 2025
BJP MP Arun Govil raised the issue of CCTV surveillance in mosques and madrasas as a critical measure for national security during the Zero Hour session in the Lok Sabha on December 4. Emphasizing the term “national security,” Govil argued that just as other religious and public institutions across India implement CCTV monitoring, mosques and madrasas should also adopt these security measures to ensure uniform safety standards.
Focusing on national security, Govil pointed out that temples, churches, gurudwaras, schools, hospitals, and marketplaces already benefit from extensive CCTV coverage, which plays a vital role in crime prevention and public safety. He questioned why mosques and madrasas have remained outside this security framework despite being large community spaces where surveillance could enhance security outcomes. Citing international practices, Govil reminded the House that Saudi Arabia installs CCTV cameras in Mecca and madrasas due to security concerns, suggesting India adopt similar standards to protect its citizens.
Govil clarified that his proposal is strictly about safeguarding national interest and is not aimed at targeting any religion. He urged the government to enact a uniform national security policy mandating CCTV installation in all places of worship, emphasizing, “Security is neither religious nor discriminatory. Security is always in the interest of the nation and human beings.” The government has not yet responded to this request, but the remarks have sparked debate over whether they constitute legitimate security concerns or risk being perceived as divisive rhetoric.
