'Time to take this pan-India?': Harsh Goenka backs Ahmedabad’s CCTV rule for restaurants

Ahmedabad’s latest move to bring greater transparency to restaurant kitchens has caught the attention of industrialist Harsh Goenka, who has praised the initiative and suggested that it could be replicated across India.

The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) has directed 11,123 restaurants and food businesses to install CCTV cameras inside their kitchens and display the live footage on screens that can be viewed by customers. The initiative is aimed at improving transparency, food hygiene and accountability in restaurants.

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Harsh Goenka praises Ahmedabad initiative

Reacting to the development, RPG Group chairman Harsh Goenka shared the news on X and backed the idea of allowing diners to see what happens inside restaurant kitchens. In his post, Goenka wrote:

“The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation has asked over 11,000 restaurants and food businesses to install CCTV cameras in kitchens and display the live feed for diners.” He added: “Transparency may just be the best hygiene inspector. Time to take this pan-India?”

Goenka’s post quickly drew attention online, with several users supporting the idea of making kitchen visibility a wider food-safety measure.

Why Ahmedabad is introducing kitchen CCTV

The AMC’s move comes amid increased scrutiny of food safety and hygiene standards at eateries. According to reports, inspections have flagged concerns including unhygienic conditions, adulterated products and insect-infested food ingredients at some establishments. Serious violations can also invite action against food businesses, including cancellation of licences.

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Under the initiative, CCTV cameras are expected to cover kitchen areas, with live footage displayed at locations where customers can view it, such as the reception or dining area. The objective is to make food preparation more visible and encourage restaurants to maintain higher hygiene standards.

The move also puts greater emphasis on basic food-safety practices, including personal hygiene among food handlers, segregation of raw and cooked food, safe storage, pest control, waste management and regular cleaning and sanitisation.

Could the model go nationwide?

Goenka’s question about taking the initiative “pan-India” has sparked a wider discussion about transparency in the food-service industry.

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Supporters argue that visible kitchens could increase accountability and give customers greater confidence about how their food is prepared. Some have also suggested that open kitchens could serve a similar purpose.

However, concerns have also been raised over the cost of installing and maintaining CCTV systems. Some users fear that restaurants could eventually pass these expenses on to customers through higher prices. Others have questioned whether diners would actually want to watch kitchen operations while eating.