Rs 1 lakh daily fuel bill of cavalcade accompanying Badals
Tribune News Service
Bathinda, September 11
Unmindful of the financial crises staring the state in the face, Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal and his deputy Sukhbir Badal have bought 386 cars worth Rs 23.49 crore from 2002-12. On an average, the government spends Rs 1 lakh daily on the of the duo’s cavalcade. This is in addition to the fuel consumed by the state-owned aircraft.
During the past nearly six years, the fuel consumed by the cavalcade of vehicles accompanying both the VIPs has been Rs 20.20 crore, as per information procured under the RTI Act. The figures for the CM and the Deputy CM on this count were Rs 15.51 crore and Rs 4.69 crore.
As many as 33 vehicles are attached with the CM security while 11 vehicles are with the Badal Junior. A perusal of the information reveals that the fuel consumption on this count has been rising every year. During the Akali regime from 2007-12, the CM’s convoy alone consumed fuel worth Rs 11.25 crore while the bill for ministers was Rs 22.50 crore, an average of Rs 2.16 lakh per day, and Rs 9.95 crore for CPSs.
During the Congress rule, Capt Amarinder’s cavalcade consumed fuel worth Rs 5.20 crore and that of his ministers Rs 11.97 crore. The state exchequer is burdened every time the CM, Deputy CM, ministers or CPSs attend any social event that is not part of their official duty.
As Leader of the Opposition, Badal ran up a bill of Rs 48.90 crore while Rajinder Kaur Bhattal exhausted fuel worth Rs 52.70 lakh.
A proposal to purchase new cars worth Rs 6.60 crore during 2012-13 could not mature due to financial constraints. The only acquisition during 2013-14 was the purchase of an Innova SUV for the CM.
In neighbouring Haryana, the CM’s cavalcade comprised just 25 vehicles while it was 12 in the case of Bihar. There are just six vehicles for the CM in Madhya Pradesh, the sources added.
State Transport Commissioner Ashwani Kumar said there was no limit on amount for the CM, Deputy CM and ministers. He said the proposal to acquire new vehicles was under consideration.
Costly ride
* Rs 23.49 crore spent on buying 386 cars from 2002-12 for the cavalcade of the CM and the Dy CM
* Rs 20.20 crore spent on the fuel consumed by the cavalcade accompanying both the VIPs in the last six years
* Rs 15.51 crore out of this is the fuel bill of the CM alone
* 33 vehicles are attached with the CM while 11 vehicles are with the Badal Jr
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