Rejecting the feasibility of Cctv Cameras in public transport for monitoring sexual harassment, Union minister Maneka Gandhi has disapproved of proposals made by several stakeholders of the Nirbhaya fund.

“Harassment of women happens when they are standing, not sitting, in the bus. Hence, it will be difficult to zero down on culprits,” the minister said, adding that it is better not to waste money on CCTVs.

Gandhi further explained that it is easy to locate where a Camera is placed in the bus and dismantle it. “We can provide for CCTV cameras in a bus but I cannot promise if the cameras will serve their purpose even after three days of installing them,” she said.

“However, it is up to private bus operators to install CCTV cameras in their vehicles, but I am not sure if CCTV cameras in public transport will help in serving the purpose of solving the crimes that take place in a moving transport,” she said.Gandhi’s remark comes a day after a DU student posted a video of a man masturbating at her. However, DCW chairperson Swati Maliwal rejected the minister’s arguments.

“No doubt should be placed on the significance of installing CCTV cameras in a bus because it will at least prove to be a deterrence for men who commit crimes in moving vehicles,” Maliwal said, adding that the Delhi government has repeatedly requested the Centre for CCTV cameras in buses.