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Only local contractors to install CCTVs in Uttarakhand jails
The Uttarakhand prison department has cancelled a tender for installation of CCTVs in the state’s 10 jails
The Uttarakhand prison department has cancelled a tender for installation of CCTVs in the state’s 10 jails. Reason: A cabinet decision to allow only local businessmen to bid for projects below ₹5 crore .
The initial bid on May 9 was opened for all Indian nationals. But, the cabinet in June changed the process of the bid.
In a letter dated June 16, the office of inspector general of prisons through a government order cancelled the old tender. The reason quoted in the order is “administrative and budget issues”.
PVK Prasad, IG prisons, told Hindustan Times, “We will follow cabinet decision of promoting local businessmen following which fresh process will start within a fortnight.”
The Supreme Court in 2015 directed all states to install closed circuit television (CCTV) to deter human rights abuse. The government in 2015-16 approved ₹2 crore for the purpose, but it was lapsed after the concerned department failed to utilise it.
In 2016-17, ₹1.26 crore was approved which was again lapsed. Worse was reported when the latest bid was opened but officers found there was no budgetary allocation for 2017-18.
“We have recently received some budgetary allocation for this project. However, this time we will only operate through e-tenders,” Prasad said.
The tenders received earlier were through post and now, the department is aiming to receive all bids via online.
There are estimated 4,400 inmates in all 10 jails of state. The cameras desired for the project were either pan tilt zoom (PTZ) or fixed and full HD (high definition). The outdoor cameras needed shall have day and night vision, PTZ as well as weather proof.
For control rooms, the bidder was responsible to provide television sets, steel tubes for securing optical fibre cables wherever they are prone to vandalism, 90 days record and back up and other such likes.
