Thiruvananthapuram: At a time when Kerala is facing a severe economic crisis, the trend of state ministers embarking on foreign trips shows no signs of slowing down. The latest addition to this list is A. N. Shamseer, the legislative assembly speaker, who is set to commence his journey to Ghana today with a budget of Rs. 13 lakhs. In a surprising move, the finance department has granted approval for this substantial expenditure, relaxing the usual Treasury restrictions.
Shamseer’s visit to Ghana is scheduled from today until October 6, as he will be attending the 66th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference in the African nation. The request for travel expenses was initially made by the Legislative Assembly Secretariat on August 16, and subsequently, an order was issued sanctioning the sum of Rs 13 lakhs to cover the expenses of this foreign trip.
Notably, the legislative assembly secretary will also be accompanying the speaker on this journey. This foreign excursion by the speaker coincides with the preparations of the Chief Minister and other ministers to travel abroad for the regional conference of the Loka Kerala Sabha, adding to the concerns regarding the state’s financial situation.
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