A report prepared by Principal Secretary APM Mohammed Hanish has found that the tendering process of the Safe Kerala project for implementation of Artificial Intelligence-driven (AI) camera surveillance system across the state was done as per the guidelines of the Central Vigilance Commission.
Presenting the report here on Friday, Industries Minister P. Rajeev said all allegations and controversies related to the AI camera system are baseless and an attempt to create a smokescreen.
As per reports, the project was implemented transparently with technical appraisal report, financial appraisal report and other documents being uploaded at every stage on the public portal.
Subcontracting is permitted except for those related to data security, data integrity, and facility management device configuration. One issue cited in the report is that there was no need to mention subcontractors, as the original contract was between Keltron and SRIT.
The report also observed that the administrative approval for the project had to be completed before the same could be done for the project.
The report recommends setting up of a high-powered committee consisting of multiple departments in the first phase of implementation of such large projects, as this would aid in better monitoring. Keltron and other public sector units are free to enter into contracts with other agencies, but arrangements must be in place to ensure that Keltron’s interests are protected.
Shri Rajeev said that Keltron had three decades of experience in traffic management systems. For the latest project, it managed to develop the three components in-house and also did the assembling.
The minister said that the accusers should think about whether the present atmosphere of forcing companies to leave the state due to allegations is good for the state. He criticized the media for not debating the issue of Mediatronics company deciding to leave the state due to disputes.