Kerala govt stays mum on alleged scam in AI-camera deal

Thiruvananthapuram: Though the opposition parties have raised queries regarding the alleged scam in the AI-driven Surveillance camera deal, the State Government continues to remain tight-lipped over the matter. 

The cabinet meeting that took place on Wednesday did not address the alleged scam in Kerala Government's ambitious project. The Opposition leader, VD Satheesan, and the Congress party had issued an ultimatum, stating that this was the "last chance" for the Chief Minister to come clean on the matter. However, cabinet ministers argued that the concerned departments related to the project should be responsible for addressing the issue. The topic was not included in the agenda of the cabinet meeting held on Wednesday.

Recently, the alleged scam in the AI camera deal opened up a political battle in Kerala, with Congress leaders Ramesh Chennithala and VD Satheesan levelling serious allegations against the state government. Due to the gravity of the allegations, the Congress demanded the Kerala CM and LDF government to issue a statement. 

Congress also released documents pertaining to contracts signed by various parties in the project. VD Satheesan on Wednesday alleged that father-in-law of Kerala Chief Minister's son had links to one of the companies that won the sub-contracts from SRIT, the company that signed a pact with Keltron to carry out the project. 

Additionally, the cabinet meeting failed to discuss the controversial order released by General Administration Department (GAD) that vests more power on Administrative Officers. With this, administrative officers could enjoy the powers held earlier by the department heads. Interestingly, the Kerala Chief Minister, who heads the GAD, will now have complete control over administrative officers.