In a letter to CM, Satheesan demands to publish documents related to AI surveillance project

Thiruvananthapuram: In a letter addressed to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, the Opposition leader VD Satheesan expressed his skepticism regarding the installation of Artificial Intelligence (AI)-enabled surveillance cameras for traffic regulation in the state.

Satheesan demanded that the government disclose all available information regarding the project. He further stated that a sub-contract was awarded for the Rs. 232 crore project in violation of regulations.

By claiming lack of transparency, Satheesan pointed out that documents related to the project are not accessible on the public domain or published on the Government website. 

"After examining the documents, it has come to my attention that cameras have been bought at exorbitant prices. I also realised that there is lack of transparency over the selection of the contract company," he said in the letter.

He alleged that Kerala State Electronics Development Corporation Limited (KELTRON) had violated the service-level agreement (SLA) signed with State Motor Vehicle Department. 

"The agreement regarding the project is not publicly available. It has come to light that KELTRON has violated the terms of the agreement. Despite the availability of several camera manufacturers in the market, KELTRON chose to purchase expensive camera components and assemble them. The company has also allocated a substantial amount for service-related expenses in the contract, despite the fact that camera manufacturers offer warranty and guarantees free of cost.," he said. 

KELTRON later gave a sub-contract for the project to another company, SRIT, for Rs 151.22 crores. Following this, SRIT handed over the same contract to two other companies - Lyte Master Lighting India and Presidio Technology. Satheesan pointed out that Lyte Master Lighting India lacked the technical expertise to implement the project and questioned on what basis KELTRON signed a sub-contract with them.

Satheesan demanded the government to release documents related to government orders, agreements signed with KELTRON, the tender proceedings, the current file and others.