Why CCTV Manufacturers Are Turning to ‘Make in India’ Now. Earlier this year, a security upgrade planned for Indian Railways’ Eastern Zone came to a sudden halt. The project aimed to install AI-powered CCTV cameras in trains and stations. But when officials found that many of the shortlisted cameras were Chinese-made, the installation was paused.
As India Today reported, this isn’t an isolated case. Similar concerns have come up in ports, metros, and government surveillance projects. The issue is that while the CCTV camera may be installed in India, the actual control can sit in another country, built into the software.
Nationwide reassessment
Enemy agents could use that window to gather intel, plant a device, or walk away with top-secret documents
Now imagine this: A camera inside a defence office goes blank for ten minutes—right when a high-level meeting is happening. Enemy agents could use that window to gather intel, plant a device, or walk away with top-secret documents—without anyone knowing.
Or cameras in a national bank quietly send video feeds overseas every night—giving outsiders weeks to track security shifts and plan a major robbery. These aren’t just technical glitches. They’re silent threats with serious consequences.
These incidents have sparked a nationwide reassessment: How secure are our surveillance systems if their core components and controls are not truly domestic?
The Make in India initiative: A vision grounded in security
This is where the Make in India initiative steps in—not just as an economic policy but as a security framework.
Make in India initiative began as a drive to alter India into a global hub for design, manufacturing
Launched in 2014, the Make in India initiative began as a drive to transform India into a global hub for design, manufacturing, and innovation. Over the years, it has evolved into a mission to reclaim control over technologies that affect the daily lives and national infrastructure.
By promoting domestic manufacturing, research, and value addition, Make in India initiative lays the foundation for secure, transparent technology. And now, it has a strong new weapon: the recently notified Essential Requirements (ER) for CCTV cameras. Backed by the Ministry of Electronics & IT (MeitY), these rules—effective April 2025—go beyond quality checks to ensure every step of the CCTV supply chain is local and secure
Why the Make in India initiative has become a vital step for CCTV
For years, India’s CCTV market was dominated by imported, low-cost cameras. To address this, the government now mandates that all CCTV cameras sold in India must be STQC-certified and comply with the Essential Requirements (ER) under the IoT Security Certification Scheme (IoTSCS). Find out why STQC Certification is becoming crucial for network camera buyers.
CCTV cameras must be cyber-secure by design, with secure boot, digitally signed firmware
CCTV cameras must be cyber-secure by design, with secure boot, digitally signed firmware, and encryption aligned with ISO/IEC 27402 standards. Manufacturers must also ensure supply chain transparency by clearly declaring the origin of components like chipsets, PCBs, and processors. They must prove that critical components are locally manufactured in India, with no dependence on foreign entities.
As per the new government norms, after April 2025, non-compliant products that fail to meet these requirements may face penalties, including fines or cancellation of their licence to operate.
What is driving the boom in Made in India CCTV cameras
1. Policy Power Behind the Growth
The rise of India’s CCTV industry isn’t just about market demand—it’s being driven by the Make in India vision. This national initiative aims to make India a pioneer in secure hardware manufacturing and innovation, ensuring technology that’s both homegrown and globally competitive.
2. A Market Set for Explosive Growth
According to IMARC and Persistence Market Research, India’s CCTV market was valued at $4.22 billion in 2024 and is expected to hit $20.33 billion by 2033, growing at an impressive 19.1% CAGR. With nearly 600 million Indians projected to live in urban areas by 2031, the need for smart, secure surveillance systems is set to surge.
3. Government Projects Driving Demand
Public infrastructure projects remain one of the strongest engines for demand. As per Counterpoint Research, 30–35% of the country’s CCTV needs come from railways, metros, smart cities, and other government-backed developments—sectors where Made in India CCTV cameras are now getting first preference.
4. PLI Scheme Boosting Manufacturing
The Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, launched in 2020, has already generated over ₹1.46 lakh crore in investments, created more than 950,000 jobs, and fuelled growth across 14 sectors. Electronics and surveillance hardware have been among its biggest beneficiaries, reinforcing India’s domestic manufacturing strength.
5. Strategic Collaborations Strengthening Innovation
Initiatives like Invest India are playing a key role in connecting Indian CCTV manufacturers with global tech partners. These collaborations bring AI integration, cloud scalability, and cybersecure design to local manufacturing—making Indian-made CCTV solutions not only compliant but also competitive in the international market.
Proudly made in India, trusted across the world
As India enforces stronger compliance requirements, trusted surveillance is no longer a choice—it’s a necessity. At Matrix, the Make in India initiative is built into the DNA. With DSIR-recognized R&D and in-house product development, the solutions are researched, designed, and manufactured entirely in India—proving that Indian engineers are capable of building world-class technology products.
STQC-certified Network Cameras and Video Management System together deliver end-to-end, fully compliant video surveillance solutions built not only for India’s evolving security needs but also for the world.
Discover how AI, biometrics, and analytics are transforming casino security
