Kerala is currently grappling with an AI camera scam that has raised concerns about the transparency and cost of the government’s project. According to reports, the government claimed that the project cost Rs 232 crore, but according to reports, the actual price may be significantly lower, at less than Rs 100 crore. This startling disparity indicates that each camera, supposedly costing Rs 9 lakhs, may actually be priced at less than one lakh.
The controversy surrounding the project has further deepened as a Right to Information (RTI) reply by Keltron stated that the prices of the cameras could not be disclosed. Furthermore, when asked about the types of cameras purchased, only details of five cameras were provided, leaving the actual number of similar cameras purchased undisclosed.
Keltron defended its position by citing the potential harm to the company’s competitive position if the prices were disclosed, claiming that such information constituted trade secrets that could not be revealed under the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act.
The lack of transparency and clarity surrounding the project’s costs has sparked public outrage and raised questions about the accountability of government initiatives. Meanwhile, KPCC president K Sudhakaran announced that his party will observe a hunger strike across the state on June 5 over the alleged corruption.
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