Vinit Wahi / New Delhi

Delhi Pradesh Congress Committee president Ajay Maken said the Aam Aadmi Party Government’s project to install CCTV cameras in Delhi was a big scam, and to cover up this scam, the AAP Government has made its quarrels with the Lt. Governor a scapegoat.

He said on 13 October, 2015 approval had been given for a Rs 130 crore project to install CCTV cameras in Delhi for which tender was floated in November, 2017 and two bids were received. Out of these two bids, one was successful. But this tender was cancelled and on 6 February, 2018 approval was given for a fresh tender with modified conditions for a Rs 571.40 crore project for installing CCTV cameras in Delhi, out of which 44 per cent, that is Rs 250 crore, was set apart for the maintenance of the CCTV cameras. Which meant that out of the total capital cost, 78 per cent was earmarked for maintenance of the CCTV cameras. (Minutes of the meeting of Expenditure Finance Committee dated 5th April, 2018 are annexed).

He said said that it was very shocking that on 5 April, 2018 the Expenditure Finance Committee, which is headed by Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, and PWD Minister Satyender Jain as member, took the decision that the project related to the installation of CCTV cameras in Delhi will be put before the Cabinet with detailed action plan, which means that this project needs the approval of the Cabinet as well.

Maken said that it was very strange that when this project did not get the sanction of the competent authority how that RFP was invited and the PWD finalised the tender. This should normally not happen, noted in the minutes. In the EFC minutes of 5 April, 2018 the principal secretary of PWD informed the committee that since it is a project related to security, the PWD will be work executing agency.