10,000 CCTVs in BPO hub 'Mindspace' in Malad, Mumbai

There are as many as 10,000 closed circuit televisions (CCTVs) in the city’s unofficial BPO hub, Mindspace, Malad — the maximum number in any one place in the city. For a complex with an area measuring 371 acres, that’s one CCTV for every 15 cm!

In comparison, the airport, often a target of terror threats, has only 164 CCTVs along with 1,700 security personnel, while the equally sensitive Mumbai CST station has 30 CCTVs and 20 security personnel.

The complex has 20 buildings including BPOs, IT companies, two malls, several departmental stores and a few residential buildings. CCTVs are installed in the corridors, reception, porches and lawns of all the buildings, making it the most-closely monitored place in Mumbai.

“Our primary concern is to protect valuable client information. The data server room is the main area of concern and has maximum security,” said Paul Riley, Chief Risk and Governance Officer of Intelenet Global. Data theft is generally carried out by employees with access to computers and hand-held devices. Employees can copy and/or delete part of confidential and copyrighted information of the company through such devices.

The employees are thus subjected to random checks and strict airport-like access control measures. “We do not allow electronic storage devices like CDs, drives or DVDs. Cameras and camera phones are also banned. Employees are asked to pass through metal detectors and all bags and personal belongings should be kept in the locker facility provided,” said an official of a leading BPO in Mindspace.

“We also have 200 guards manning the area round the clock. The individual companies too employ their own security guards and set up their own electronic surveillance systems,” said A Mohite, security manager, Raheja Mindspace.

Though there have been no cases of data theft in Mindspace, companies have found the CCTVs useful in detecting petty cases of mobile phone and jewellery thefts.

“We have been given numerous presentations stressing on the importance of security. It has now become a part of our work culture,” said an Shweta Singh, a BPO employee. She added that she felt more secure about herself and her valuables with so many CCTVs and security around.

According to consulting psychiatrist Sanjay Kumavat, such surveillance can generate paranoia, leaving a person ill at ease in public functions. “They become patients of high anxiety and resort to cigarettes and alcohol to relieve anxiety.”

However Riley disagreed and said security was for the benefit of the employees. “It is our job to provide a safe and secure environment to our staff.”

Source: Mid-Day Mumbai Newspaper