Punjab Ministers, MLAs to Get New Vehicles: Debt-Ridden Amarinder Singh Govt Approves 400 Luxury Cars Including Land Cruisers, Fortuners
Six months ago, Punjab Finance Minister Manpreet Singh Badal had rolled-out an austere budget for the middle class, citing the stressed financial condition of the state.
Chandigarh, October 19: Despite running into massive amount of debts, the government of Capt Amarinder Singh in Punjab has approved the purchase of new vehicles for the Ministers and Members of the Legislative Assembly. The decision was confirmed via a Transport Department order on Friday.
The fleet of 400 luxury cars, set to be purchased by the Congress government, includes the high-end Land Cruisers and Fortuners. The procurement will cost the state exchequer Rs 80 crore, reports said. Karnataka CM Commutes in SUV, His Ministers Demand Luxury Cars; Opposition Attacks Over His ‘Austerity’ Move.
As per the Transport Department order, the government has approved 16 Land Cruisers, including two bullet-proof ones, for Chief Minister Amarinder Singh. 14 Maruti Dzires, Ertigas and Honda Amazes will be procured for Officers on Special Duty (OSD) to the CM.
Each of the 17 Ministers in the state government would be provided Toyota Fortuners or an alternative vehicle of the same kind. Meanwhile, each legislator or MLA, cutting across party lines, would get a Toyota Innova Crystas.
The move has been questioned by activists, pointing out that an array of high-end cars are already part of the Punjab CM and other Ministers' convoys. Currently, eight Ambassadors and six Mitsubishi Monteros are available for Amarinder Singh, while each of his Minister could travel in Toyota Camrys. Meanwhile, the legislators are till now travelling in Toyota Innovas.
The vehicles' purchase has been opposed by the Bharatiya Kisan Union, calling the step "obscene" at a time when the government has turned down the demand to extend a "complete loan-waiver" for the distressed farmers in the state.
Six months ago, Punjab Finance Minister Manpreet Singh Badal had rolled-out an austere budget for the middle class, citing the stressed financial condition of the state. Citing a burden of Rs 1,95,978 crore on the state, Manpreet had announced a new "development tax" - amounting to Rs 200 per month on all income tax payers - to improve the state's fiscal condition.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 20, 2018 12:05 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).