Transparent Government: Indian Streams To Internet From Office Webcam

Viewers can switch between the chamber view and office view

Mr. Oommen Chandy, the Chief Minister of Kerala, a state in South India has done what many politicians in the country would never consider. He has installed web cameras in his chamber as well as the office housing civil servants. He is streaming live video, 24×7 on his website for the entire nation to see.

The New York Times quotes Mr. Chandy as saying:

Instead of taking action against corruption, I believe that we have to create an atmosphere where everything should be done in a transparent way. The people must know everything.

Putting a webcam in the office and then streaming it live to the internet might sound off-beat, but the public response has been enormous. Almost 100,000 people viewed the live stream on its opening day, and the daily viewer base has doubled since then. The office’s proceedings are streamed live on the CM’s website, but without audio. The CM reasoned that he wanted his visitors and ministers to speak freely, and this is why the audio is not being streamed.

The government’s notion is to portray the CM and his aides’ work in a transparent manner. With the office’s proceedings being streamed live on the internet, people can keep a watchful eye on whoever comes to the CM office, and also on the work being done there. The issue of bribing officials is regrettably prevalent in India, and this initiative will surely keep a check on that, at least in the CM office. Of course installing a webcam does not ensure corrupt practices cannot occur, as a bribe can still be paid outside the office anytime.

In the past we have seen how social media has been used effectively by the people of India in their fight against corruption. Anna Hazare recently inspired many young Indians to stand against corruption as well. The CM of Kerala has followed that lead with this unique initiative.

While the opposition has described this move as a publicity stunt, one thing’s for sure — in corruption-stricken India, this move comes out with a strong message to implement transparency into the inner workings of government.