PCMC’s CCTV Phase 2 Tender Process is Flawed, MLA Anna Bansode demands cancellation of tender
By: Pune Pulse
June 3, 2023
Pune: MLA Anna Bansode has demanded that the tender process of Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation’s (PCMC) CCTV cameras Phase 2 should be cancelled immediately. He also demanded that the tender process should be implemented in a transparent manner.
Speaking on the issue, Bansode said, ” Shekhar Singh, PCMC Commissioner should personally look into the CCTV camera tender process. As a result, the standard and quality of work in the tender process will remain intact. Also, a maximum number of contractors and material supplier companies will be able to participate in the competition. We strongly demand that the flawed tender process should be suspended. The consultants and concerned officials should be instructed to carry out the tender process in a transparent manner.”
Replying to the allegations, Singh said, “Around 3,000 CCTV cameras will be deployed in the city under the smart city project. Firstly, cameras were deployed during Phase 1. After that, the work of installing the cameras began for the third time as phase-1 and phase-2 were completed. 70 per cent of CCTV cameras installed are still non-functional. Even before starting it at full capacity, the administration has floated a tender process of around Rs 170 crores to third parties. Interestingly, while implementing the tender process, the relevant consulting company and some officials of the administration have come together and prepared the rules so that the specific contractor and certain companies will be forced to buy the materials from specific places. As a result, there is no vigorous competition in the tendering process. Due to its role as a contractor, the administration has so far spent around Rs 400 crore on installing CCTV cameras alone. So, in my opinion, MLA Anna Bansode has also objected that this is a waste of taxpayer’s money.”
On May 31, a pre-tender meeting was held by the administration for the phase-2 work of installing CCTV cameras. More than 40 contractors and supplier companies from across the country participated in it. There are terms and conditions that only one or two supplier companies will be eligible. It has been pointed out that while incorporating technical aspects, particular suppliers have been made in the interest of the company.
