‘Sparsh has been successful in bringing manufacturing for 15 CCTV brands to India from China, achieving more than 70% CAGR in last 3 years’

We spoke to Sanjeev Sehgal, Founder & MD, Sparsh Securitech to understand his pioneering journey in building ‘Make in India’ security cameras, innovations they have developed over the years in these cameras, their focus areas going forward and the industry verticals they are targeting.

Interviewed by Adeesh Sharma

Mr. Sanjeev Sehgal is the force behind Sparsh CCTV. An innovator and entrepreneur by nature, he is an engineering graduate in Electronics with more than two decades of experience in Electronic Security Manufacturing and Solutions.

The ‘Made in India’ man of Electronics Security Industry - as he is fondly referred to - started his entrepreneurial journey by manufacturing push button telephones in the early stages of his career in mid-90’s.. His core mantras are teamwork & passion for his work. Mr. Sehgal has an innate business acumen that he has nurtured and refined into an art over the years. He builds upon his vast knowledge and understanding of the evolving trends in Security and Surveillance Industry to help Sparsh explore, innovate, and create domain-defining products.

Mr. Sanjeev Sehgal, is the convener for Video Surveillance standards in Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), representing India in International Electro Commission (IEC) for global video surveillance standards along with active voting rights and ONVIF full member, His recommendations have been accepted as world standards. Actively involved in policy making in Ministry of Electronics (MeitY) Department of Telecom (DoT) and DPIIT, chairing Electronic Security group in ELCINA, leading Make in India Sub-Group in ICTE group in CII and working with FICCI CCTV group for policy recommendations under Atmanirbhar Bharat.

With a knack of identifying market gaps Mr Sanjeev has been the reason of many firsts in the electronics security market.

- First indigenous CCTV Camera
- First indigenously designed DVR
- First IP camera and Thermal Camera
- First person to introduce indigenous manufactured caller ID telephone.
- First in India to develop remote operated switcher
- First Indian firm to launch contactless fever detection solution
- First explosion proof camera
- First indigenous 5G Surveillance Camera supporting Public & Private Networks

Many more to follow:

Sparsh has IPR for Design and Copyright for more than 50 products and software (Video Management System & Video Analytics). Sparsh is also License holder for HEVC/H.265 and H.264/AVC Product Patent Portfolio.

What are your focus areas in security for the year 2023?

Cloud computing security: With the increasing adoption of cloud services, securing cloud infrastructure and data has become a top priority for organizations. Implementing robust security controls and following best practices for cloud security can help prevent data breaches, theft, and other malicious activities.

Generally accepted data privacy principles: The rise of data breaches and privacy concerns has led to the implementation of stricter data protection. regulations around the world, such as OWASP 2.0. It is important for organizations to ensure that their CCTV Cameras are compliant with these regulations and take necessary steps to protect sensitive customer information.

Identity and access management: Effective management of user identities and access privileges is essential for protecting sensitive data and systems. Implementing strong authentication measures, such as multi-factor authentication, and regularly reviewing access privileges can help prevent. unauthorized access and data breaches.

2. How has the journey been so far towards the ‘Make in India’ manufacturing pledge?

The 'Make in India' campaign was launched by the Government of India in September 2014 with the aim of promoting India as a global manufacturing hub and encouraging foreign and domestic companies to invest in manufacturing in India. The campaign aims to boost job creation, skill development, and economic growth in the Country.

An epitome of ‘Made in India’ security products, Sparsh is redefining the way Indian electronic security manufacturing has evolved over the last two decades.

Campaigning for make in India initiative, Sparsh has been successful in bringing manufacturing for 15 CCTV brands to India from China, achieving more than 70% CAGR in last 3 years, Sparsh, is moving towards ATMANIRBHAR BHARAT and has successfully achieved more than 80% of Domestic Value Addition in more than 80% products being manufactured by them.

The company has two State of art manufacturing facilities in SIDCUL, Haridwar & one manufacturing facility in NOIDA with annual capacity of over 2.5M CCTV equipment. Sparsh is coming up with an Anchor unit at the Electronic Manufacturing Cluster (EMC) in Kashipur, Uttarakhand with capacity of 1Million CCTV equipment per month in an integrated facility with complete backward integration for moulding, die casting, sheet metal and powder coating spread across 9 acres, generating around 22000 job opportunities (directly / indirectly).

Sparsh was awarded the National MSME 1st Prize award for “Quality” in a ceremony presided by Hon’ble Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi ji.

3. What has the government initiatives been to promote ‘Make in India’ in security

The Indian government has taken several initiatives to promote the 'Make in India' campaign in the security sector. Here are some of the key initiatives:

1. The Indian government has formulated a Defense Production Policy to promote indigenous manufacturing of defense equipment and technology. The policy aims to achieve a turnover of USD 26 billion in defense production by 2025 and create employment opportunities in the sector.
2. It is anticipated that the Foreign Trade Policy 2021–26 will increase MSMEs and e-commerce exports and identify new industries to increase domestic export. MSMEs and new export potential are anticipated to be a priority of foreign trade policy from 2021 through 2026. The federal government stated plans to create a new mechanism in March 2021 to strengthen import screening in order to defend domestic firms.
3. Production Linked Incentive scheme of the Government of India is a form of performance-linked incentive to give companies incentives on incremental sales from products manufactured in domestic units. It is aimed at boosting the manufacturing sector and to reduce imports. Objective of these schemes entail Make in India, incentivising foreign manufacturers to start production in India and incentivise domestic manufacturers to expand their production and exports.

4. Looking forward, what are your key objectives going to be to further the cause of indigenous manufacturing.

- For me Investing in research and development (R&D) and promoting innovation can help Indian businesses develop cutting-edge technologies and products, which can make them globally competitive.

- We should strengthen our domestic manufacturing capabilities and be competitive in the market at the same time.

- Government is already dissuading Indian consumer from buying low-cost poor-quality products and we should spread the cause.

- Businesses can collaborate with academic institutions and research organizations like IIT, C-DoT, etc. to develop new technologies which aid in developing newer technologies, customized solutions along with cost optimization.