AI SummaryInformation, Monitoring, Evaluation and Social Audit: Central Smart Surveillance Unit (I-MESA: CSSU) helps the government keep things clear by offering continuous remote supervision of centrally funded Grant-in-aid institutions and training centers through modern electronic surveillance. Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment runs this scheme, and it is open for all eligible grant-in-aid institutions, training centers, and coaching centers to take part.
I-MESA: Central Smart Surveillance Unit (CSSU) is a key scheme launched by the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment (DoSJE) to bring modern oversight to public welfare facilities. The scheme makes sure that all grant-in-aid institutions, including training and coaching centers getting central funding, stay answerable through a strong network of Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) and electronic monitoring devices.
About I-MESA: Central Smart Surveillance Unit
By setting up a central monitoring system, the Ministry can keep an eye on operations from a distance to make sure the service quality stays good. If you manage a grant-in-aid institution, you should install these surveillance systems to cover your service areas and share your login access with the relevant State Coordinators so monitoring becomes easy and smooth.
The scheme is a Central Sector Scheme. Its main aim is to check how the scheme is being put into practice at the ground level and to spread information about the work being done by the Ministry. The scheme has a few parts, which are Information Dissemination, Project Monitoring Unit, Central Smart Surveillance Unit, Social Audit, and Evaluation and Studies.
Key Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Information, Monitoring, Evaluation and Social Audit (I-MESA): Central Smart Surveillance Unit (CSSU) |
| Level | Central |
| Scheme For | Infra |
| Beneficiary States | All |
| Category | Transport and Infrastructure, Utility and Sanitation, Public Safety, Law and Justice |
| Target Beneficiaries | University / Institution |
| Sub Category | Infrastructure, Video conferencing facility |
| Benefit Type | Cash |
| DBT Scheme | No |
| Nodal Ministry | Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment |
| Nodal Department | Department of Social Justice and Empowerment |
Benefits
The government has set aside a big total financial outlay of ₹15,00,00,000 (₹15 Crore) over a five-year period to build this infrastructure. This money is used to put together the central dashboard, set up the monitoring system, and handle the regular maintenance work.
The central setup costs are broken down as follows:
| Financial Year | Budget Allocation | Institutions Covered |
|---|---|---|
| 2021-22 | ₹2,50,00,000 | 1,000 |
| 2022-23 | ₹2,80,00,000 | 1,100 |
| 2023-24 | ₹3,00,00,000 | 1,200 |
| 2024-25 | ₹3,20,00,000 | 1,300 |
| 2025-26 | ₹3,50,00,000 | 1,400 |
Note that individual institutions must pay for the installation of their own CCTV devices under their existing scheme budgets. Once the warranty period for your equipment ends, you should get your own Annual Maintenance Contract (AMC) using your organizational funds.
Eligibility
To take part in this scheme, your organization should meet the following criteria:
- You must be a grant-in-aid institution, a training center, or a coaching center that is getting direct funding from the Central Government.
- You should have installed CCTV cameras or related electronic surveillance devices that cover all the services provided within your campus.
- You must provide login credentials for these devices to your designated State Coordinator so the monitoring work can be done.
Example: If a training institute like 'SkillUp India' receives central grants, it must install cameras in classrooms, share the login with the state office, and manage the device upkeep after the initial warranty expires.
Application Process
The rollout is a structured process that involves both the Ministry and the beneficiary institutions. Here are the steps for the surveillance setup:
STEP 1 - The Ministry picks an external agency through the Government e-Marketplace (GeM). This agency handles the technical integration, dashboard creation, and ongoing system maintenance.
STEP 2 - Grant-in-aid institutions must install the required CCTV or electronic devices within their premises so that all the services are covered.
STEP 3 - You should share your device login credentials securely with your State Coordinator so they can carry out the required monitoring.
STEP 4 - After the warranty period, institutions must manage their own Annual Maintenance Contracts using their own funds.
Documents
You should keep the following records ready to show that you are following the rules:
- Document proof that confirms your status as a Central Government grant-in-aid recipient.
- Formal records or photographic evidence of CCTV camera installation covering the campus services.
- Confirmation documents showing that login credentials have been handed over to the State Coordinator.
- Valid documentation for your current Annual Maintenance Contract after the warranty expires.
References
FAQ's
Which organizations fall under the surveillance requirements?
Any grant-in-aid institution, training center, or coaching center that receives financial support from the Central Government must follow these surveillance measures.
Where will the monitoring system be managed?
The system will be run from a central site, which may be located within the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment or another location that the authorities find convenient.
Who handles the technical development of the dashboard?
A specialized external agency, chosen through a clear process on the GeM portal, will handle the technical rollout and dashboard development.
What if my device warranty expires?
Once the warranty ends, you are responsible for getting an Annual Maintenance Contract (AMC) for your equipment using your institution's own resources.
Will the monitoring cover my entire facility?
Yes, your installed CCTV cameras should cover all the service areas within your campus well so that you stay fully in line with the rules.