...Procedures have to be followed, they take timeExpress News Service

Home minister R R Patil, asked about the delay in installation of CCTV cameras, said there is a tendering process and procedures to be followed for the project. "Media targets us both ways... if there is delay in purchasing equipment following proper procedures, and if purchases are hastened without following procedures," he said.

"We got bids with costs ranging from Rs 824 crore to Rs 17,000 crore for the CCTV project. Now, a partner of the company that has cited low costs is blacklisted. So we cannot buy from it. At the same time if we buy costly equipment, questions would be raised as to why we chose expensive ones," he said.

Patil told mediapersons that a committee has been set up under the chief secretary to ensure quality equipment is purchased and all procedures are properly followed. "We hope to get CCTVs sanctioned for Mumbai soon and then for Pune, Thane, Nashik, Aurangabad and other cities," he said. Patil said installing CCTVs alone will not work. "We need a control room," he said. He said there is also a need to strengthen network of informers for enhancing security of cities.

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