The corruption behind the camera

The artificial intelligence cameras installed across the state in Kerala by the Motor Vehicles Department (MVD) to detect violations by motorists on the state's roads were touted as a great event. However, before the images of traffic rule violations were caught on camera, what emerged were the smoke of allegations related to the corruption behind the project. Earlier, criticisms linked to the project revolved around the primary motive being the fines becoming a source of income for the government rather than ensuring the safety of the people. The huge amount of money spent on installing the cameras and the lack of transparency in the awarding of contracts are causing more uproar now. Reports coming out each day claim that the amount paid for the AI cameras is outrageous and higher quality cameras are available in the market for a quarter of this price. The contracts and sub-contracts of the project and the companies involved in them are all shrouded in mystery. Every day documents and shreds of evidence emerge which prove that corruption has taken place behind the artificial intelligence cameras. The transport department has installed 726 cameras on national and state highways at a cost of Rs 232 crores. The scope of the camera is to detect people not wearing helmets and seatbelts, overspeed, and overloading. Violations are punishable by hefty fines. It cannot be denied that several recent developments reek of corruption and nepotism. The latest of this is the AI camera project. These allegations are also coming at a time when the accusations related to the Brahmapuram fire have subsided like the fire at the spot.

Also read: Kerala AI camera deal: Opposition alleges irregularities, seeks clarification from CM

There are some problems not only in the installation of the cameras but also in the operation. Legal experts say it is unlawful to pay private companies the fines levied on people for violations of the law. According to the information available, Keltron and the sub-contracted company will be paid a certain percentage of the fine levied. This new reform comes at a time when only the police and the MVD have the authority to levy fines and deposit them into the exchequer regardless of the manner in which traffic violations are detected - a situation where the rules are subverted in principle. The agencies that set up the AI ​​cameras themselves are doing all the work related to this in the control room of the Motor Vehicles Department. This is also bound to cause undesirable consequences. The government will have to answer on these before court and the people.

Also read: UDF calls Rs 232 crore Kerala’s AI Camera project a scam, calls for a judicial probe

The documents released reveal that the contract given to Keltron, the sub-contract, consultancy etc. for installing the camera arenot transparent. Initially, the Minister of Transport pretended that he did not know anything, and then the Minister of Industry came forward with some justifications. There was also an announcement of an inquiry by the Secretary of Industry amounting to a disclaimer. Thence there was total silence in government circles. Even though the allegations have been leveled against the Chief Minister and his relatives, he remains silent. If the government and chief minister are certain that everything is transparent, they need not hesitate to say so. The Chief Minister also declared the other day that corruption will not be tolerated. It is not easy to shirk the obligation to answer when an allegation is made involving himself in a government project. Kerala was not free from corruption at the bureaucratic level. However, now allegations of political corruption are becoming common. A democratic government has an obligation to explain things and clear the air. In any case, this silence is far from acceptable.