The Presidents / Chief Executive Officers

Banks / Microfinance Banks (MFBs)

Dear Sir/ Madam,

IMPROVEMENT IN OPERATIONS OF CCTVs

Please refer to BPRD Circular Letter No. 31 of 2022 dated October 26, 2022 on the subject.

2. In this regard, based on the representations received from various stakeholders and to facilitate the phased installation of Close Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras, the following revisions have been made in Para 2(i) and 2(iii) of the aforesaid Circular Letter:

Para 2(i):

Banks/MFBs are advised to update their internal Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to prescribe and standardize, inter alia, installation points of CCTV cameras within and around branch premises (e.g. ATM vestibules, branch entrances, and any vantage point(s) outside branches), minimum preservation period of visual records, and quality of cameras deployed including minimum required resolution standards to enable round-the-clock recording. Moreover, Banks/MFBs shall install CCTV cameras of at least five (5) Megapixels (MPs) instead of the earlier advised specification of at least six (6) MPs, along with allied paraphernalia (e.g. storage devices, wiring, etc.).

Para 2(iii):

To facilitate the phased installation, Banks/MFBs are advised to install the prescribed CCTV cameras:

1. At all critical points of the existing branch premises that are located in Tier 1 cities, as provided in Branch Licensing Policy, and high-risk geographies by March 31, 2025. For this purpose, Banks/MFBs shall define high-risk geographies, and the number & location of critical points in and around branch premises in their updated internal SOPs for installation of CCTV cameras; and
2. In all new branches to be established and existing branches to be renovated under the normal course of the annual budgeted plan. These requirements will also be applicable to all new branches being established and existing branches being renovated under the annual budget for CY2024, where procurement orders for CCTV cameras and related paraphernalia have not been placed.

3. Banks/MFBs may, at their discretion, opt for the accelerated installation of prescribed cameras across their entire branch network. Moreover, banks/MFBs are advised to submit a plan for implementation of the above regulatory instructions to the relevant Banking Supervision Department.
4. All other instructions on the matter, however, remain unchanged.