Latest news with #StandardisationTestingandQualityCertification
The Hindu
13-07-2025
- The Hindu
Railways to install CCTV cameras in 74,000 coaches, 15,000 locomotives for safety
Following the experimental installation of CCTV cameras in passenger coaches in the Northern Railways, the Indian Railways has decided to install CCTV cameras in all of its approximately 74,000 coaches across the countrywide rail network, officials of the Union Ministry of Railways said on Sunday (July 13, 2025). 'This move will significantly improve passenger safety. Miscreants and organised gangs take advantage of gullible passengers. With cameras, such incidents will reduce significantly. To preserve the privacy of passengers, CCTV cameras will be installed in the common movement area near the doors,' officials said. The decision was taken on July 12 when Union Minister for Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw reviewed the progress in installing CCTV cameras in locomotives and coaches. The meeting was attended by senior officials of the Railway Board. Complete coverage Each railway coach will be covered by four dome-type CCTV cameras, with two of them placed in each entrance way. Each locomotive will have six CCTV cameras. This will include one camera each at the front and rear, and on both sides of the locomotive. Each cab (front and rear) of a loco will be fitted with one dome CCTV camera and two desk-mounted microphones, officials said. 'High speed, low light' The CCTV cameras will have the latest specifications and will undergo Standardisation Testing and Quality Certification (STQC) by the Union Ministry of Electronics and IT. High-quality footage should be available even for trains running at speeds over 100 kmph, and in low-light conditions, Mr. Vaishnaw told Railway officials, asking them to explore the use of AI on the data captured by the CCTV cameras, in collaboration with the IndiaAI Mission.
The Hindu
27-06-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
Brihaspathi Tech setting up CCTV plant near Hyderabad with ₹70 crore
AI surveillance and security solutions provider Brihaspathi Technologies is setting up a CCTV manufacturing facility in Tuniki Bollaram, near Hyderabad. Behind the move of the 18-year old firm — that has deployed 1.2 million CCTV cameras and counts Border Security Force (BSF), Election Commission (EC), Telangana High Court among customers — is the Centre recently making Standardisation Testing and Quality Certification mandatory from a perspective of securing such surveillance infrastructure devices. The Make in India push of the government is also a factor, managing director Rajasekhar Papolu said, estimating the 72,000 sq ft multi-storied manufacturing plant, a research and development facility and an experience centre to entail around ₹70 crore investment. The company has begun work to set up the plant on a 2.5 acre land parcel, he said, adding the facility is likely to be ready by December. Laptop manufacturing and exploring partnerships with drone companies for the cameras is under consideration, he said. Brihaspathi Technologies recently raised $10 million from foreign institutional investors. It also plans making an Initial Public Offering (IPO) in 2026-27 on the back of improved financial performance. The company is confident of achieving ₹450 crore turnover this fiscal. For 2024-25, it had posted ₹204 crore turnover and ₹42 crore net profit. On benefits of local manufacturing, Mr. Papolu said 70-80% of the final product would be made in India though import of certain components, especially the system on chip (SoC), remain inevitable. The company is constantly looking to add more 'intelligence into the cameras to make the decision making easier [for users]', he said, adding Brihaspathi now sourced cameras from various vendors depending on the customer specifications. With STQC norm — of authorised laboratories testing the cameras — and provision of incentives for domestic manufacturing, the government is seeking to restrict imports and rein in threats and data thefts, he said. The company's cameras are installed at diverse locations from the country's borders with Pakistan and Bangladesh, competitive exam centres, Indian Oil Corporation's LPG bottling plants to Kaziranga National Park. The Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation has awarded the company a project to implement a comprehensive AI-enabled CCTV monitoring system across the MSRTC network, he said.
India.com
10-05-2025
- Business
- India.com
STQC Certification: Fortifying Indias Surveillance Infrastructure Amid Geopolitical Tensions
NEW DELHI: As India strides towards digital governance and smarter public safety frameworks, the role of Standardisation Testing and Quality Certification (STQC) has become increasingly vital in the surveillance industry. More than a hallmark of quality, STQC certification is a stringent, multi-layered process designed to test the security and integrity of surveillance products. Administered by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), STQC certification focuses on two critical dimensions: security testing and supply chain verification. Security testing assesses a system's resilience to cyber threats and unauthorized access, while supply chain verification ensures compliance with the Ministry of Home Affairs' Public Procurement Order (PPO) guidelines for essential security equipment. Together, these evaluations form a bulwark against vulnerabilities in systems that protect critical infrastructure, transportation hubs, and public spaces. "The surveillance sector is no longer just about watching: it's about securing data, networks, and national interests," said Aditya Khemka, Managing Director of CP PLUS. The emphasis on STQC certification reflects the government's push to create a self-reliant, secure digital infrastructure under initiatives like Digital India and Atmanirbhar Bharat. Khemka also echoed the urgency of compliance. "Compliance is no longer optional. As India pushes toward digitally integrated governance and smarter public safety, systems that don't meet standards simply don't make the cut," he said. "Choosing STQC-certified surveillance isn't just a strategic move; it's a responsible one." With rising cyberattacks and geopolitical tensions, stakeholders across public and private sectors are viewing STQC certification not just as a quality check, but as a national imperative. As India builds smarter cities and more connected ecosystems, STQC stands as a critical gatekeeper of trust and security.
The Hindu
26-04-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
Indian CCTV firms likely to benefit from U.S.-China direct trade war
The trade war between the United States and China is expected to create business opportunities for Indian CCTV makers to export to the U.S., which is perhaps the biggest market for the device in terms of value. Though the U.S. had banned Chinese made CCTV cameras in government procurement due to allegations of cybersecurity violations, the private sector sourced them. But this might decline due to steep tariffs. 'With this trade war going on between China and U.S., it brings in a huge opportunity for domestic manufacturers like us for even exporting to U.S.,' said Sanjeev Sehgal, Founder & Managing Director, Sparsh CCTV, among top three players in the segment. 'We are working hard toward how we can get maximum benefit out of it,' Mr. Sehgal told The Hindu. 'Because there is no clarity now, we need to see once all the things settle down and take a decision. So, we are seeing a good number of inquiries coming from U.S.,' he said. To start with, the firm would export to the U.S. and depending on the opportunity, it may set up a manufacturing unit there. Sparsh CCTV has already set up a subsidiary in the U.S. and is establishing a joint venture in Saudi Arabia to expand into those key markets. Expected surge The company, which started focusing on exports since January this year, is expecting its exports volume to surge from 1-2% of the turnover now to about 20% this fiscal year. India's decision to keep Chinese CCTV companies out of the domestic market by making it mandatory for suppliers to have Standardisation Testing and Quality Certification (STQC) is expected to benefit local firms ike Sparsh, which is the first entity to get such a certification. This requirement has come into force from April 9, 2025. New norms 'After the 9th of April, all CCTV cameras to be sold in India have to be certified as per the new BIS ER norms. So, only those CCTV cameras approved by BIS can be sold, hired, stored, or even given on lease in India,' Mr. Sehgal said. 'Which is basically the ER testing and certification from STQC, which is the testing standards and certification body under the Ministry of Electronics,' he added. Railways contract Stating that the government policy has started benefiting Indian firms, he said, 'We have got some major successes out of it. One of the major successes is railways. So, we are doing at almost 5,000 railway stations across India.' He said this regulation and export opportunity to the U.S. would lead to a 100% growth in the company's volumes this year. 'We believe that we should minimum grow by 100%, because with this new regulation coming in, most of the Chinese brands will not be able to get the certification. Because they [BIS] are asking for the source code and everything,' he said. Chinese control Chinese firms control 75% of India's estimated ₹12,000 crore CCTV market, which is growing at a CAGR of 20%. To cater to the demand, the company will be investing ₹300 crore in three years to expand capacity. This is projected to grow over 10 times from 1 million units a year to 1 million units a month in three to four years Mr. Sehgal said.
