THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: It is reported that the Kerala State Finance Department has allocated funds for a special bus designated for the ‘Nava Kerala Sadhas’ programme. The funds were released by the State Finance Department, bypassing treasury control.
It is reported that an allocation of Rs 1 crore and 5 lakh has been made for a luxury bus intended for Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Ministers to travel during the ‘Nava Keralam Sadhas’ program.
‘Nava Kerala Sadhas’ an initiative by the Kerala government, aims to visit all assembly constituencies in the state, led by the Chief Minister and other ministers, intending to inform the public about the developments undertaken by the Pinarayi government in Kerala. The tour is scheduled to run from November 18 to December 24.
The allocated amount of Rs 1 crore and 5 lakh is intended for a 25-seater Benz bus. However, State Transport Minister Antony Raju defended the expenditure, stating that investing in this bus was not a luxury.
It’s worth noting that on September 22, KSRTC MD Biju Prabhakar had requested Rs 1,05,20,000 on behalf of K-Swift. However, the amount has not yet been released. Additionally, KSRTC pensioners and employees are reportedly facing delays in receiving their pensions and salaries.
The government recently faced severe criticism from both BJP and UDF leaders for extravagant spending during Keraleeyam 2023, held in Thiruvananthapuram from November 1 to 7.
The ‘Nava Kerala Sadhas’ program has also sparked controversies, with BJP leaders alleging it as a PR exercise for the CPI(M) ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, funded by the government.
Amidst this, criticism mounted against the government following the suicide of a farmer in Thakazhi, Alappuzha district, citing extravagant expenses, financial mismanagement, and nepotism, while allegedly lacking funds for farmers.
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