Maharashtra Allocates ₹12.68 Crore for 44 VVIP Vehicles Amid Drought
In a controversial move, Maharashtra's government approves funds for new VVIP vehicles despite ongoing drought conditions affecting farmers.
Maharashtra government approves ₹12.68 crore for 44 new VVIP vehicles.
The procurement includes various models, including bulletproof and luxury vehicles.
Critics, including Congress leader Sachin Sawant, question the government's priorities during a severe drought.
In a significant decision, the Maharashtra government has sanctioned ₹12.68 crore for the acquisition of 44 new vehicles designated for VVIPs and dignitaries. This approval comes at a time when large regions of the state are grappling with severe drought conditions, raising eyebrows about the government's spending priorities.
The Protocol Department has initiated this procurement to replace a fleet of aging and unserviceable vehicles utilized by the Government Transport Service in Mumbai and district collectorates. The new fleet will consist of a bulletproof vehicle, 32 Toyota Innova Crystas, seven Maruti Suzuki Ertigas, two Toyota Fortuners, a Force Urbania bus, and a Tata towing vehicle. The vehicles will be acquired through the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) portal, intended for official visits and convoy arrangements.
The government resolution (GR) issued on Friday details the purchase, emphasizing that many existing vehicles have surpassed their operational lifespan and are no longer fit for service. Complaints from dignitaries regarding the condition of these vehicles have prompted the government to act. According to the GR, 10 vehicles will be allocated to the Government Transport Service in Mumbai, while 34 will be distributed to district collectorates to replace condemned vehicles.
This decision has sparked criticism from various quarters, particularly from Congress leader Sachin Sawant, who condemned the BJP-led Mahayuti government for its perceived hypocrisy. He highlighted the contrast between the government's austerity rhetoric and its expenditure on luxury vehicles amidst a crisis affecting farmers. Sawant pointed out that while the government urges citizens to practice restraint, it continues to spend lavishly on VVIP comforts, questioning the sincerity of its austerity measures.
Looking ahead, the government plans to proceed with the procurement process through the GeM portal, which allows for single-source procurement. As the drought continues to impact agriculture and livelihoods in Maharashtra, the focus will remain on how the government balances its spending on VVIP comforts against the urgent needs of its citizens facing economic hardships.
