THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: It is hinted that a top leader of the ruling party is behind the AI camera deal made by private companies putting Keltron in front. It is assumed that there was intervention from the leader, for Keltron giving the sub-contract and the company subcontracting the same contract. Keltron was approached by Sobha Renaissance Information Technology (SRIT) with the project, after which Keltron approached the Department of Motor Vehicles in 2019. SRIT on the other hand subcontracted the same contract to Presadio, a company registered in 2020.
Keltron is part of the project as a Project Management Consultancy (PMC) for the five-year Build On Operate and Transfer (BOOT) project. Although the government order had directed that all further proceedings should be transparent, Keltron kept everything a secret including the sub-contract. Even though there was a discrepancy in the amount, the Transport Secretary issued a final order, noting that 'the work order issued by the Transport Commissioner cannot be canceled.'' Other reasons add to the mystery.
The explanation in the order is that; in view of the almost total completion of the works on the SAFE Kerala project, as the government has given clearance for almost all the segments in various phases, Keltron being a public sector undertaking of the government and since all the equipment has been installed; permission is granted.
Commencement of contract
2019: On December 28, the Department of Transport approved the Service Level Agreement between Keltron and Motor Vehicles Department.
2020: Transport Department order was issued on April 27, after the plan given by Keltron was examined and approved by the Finance Department Technical Committee and the IT Department.
Everything falls on the people
In the discussion with the Department of Motor Vehicles, Keltron announced the cost of the project at Rs 73 crore. The project cost was increased to Rs 232.25 crore by adding interest and a maintenance cost on this amount, which was approved by the cabinet. The justification given at the moment is that it does not cost the government money.
Done by tender- Madhu Nambiar
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: 'SRIT' MD Madhu Nambiar said that the contract for the installation of AI cameras was won by participating in a tender called at the national level. Products in artificial intelligence have been provided in 16 states. Has been working on artificial intelligence for a long time and directly investing in projects up to 25 crores. If it goes above that, there will be other investors.