Maharashtra's General Administration Department has issued a government resolution (GR) approving Rs 1.32 crore for the purchase of luxury vehicles for four members of the Lokayukta office, bringing the expense under scrutiny amid drought in parts of the state.
The order has approved the purchase of Innova-Hycross (ZX-7S) model worth Rs 33 lakh each for newly appointed Lokayukta members.
Who are the four Lokayuktas?
The Lokayukta panel is headed by Lokayukta and former Justice Sunil Shukre and includes former Justices Surendra Tawde and Suvarna Kewale as judicial members and former DGP Rashmi Shukla and former IAS officer Om Prakash Gupta as non-judicial members.
The allocation has sparked concern as the state is currently reeling under severe drought conditions due to a rainfall deficit. Out of a total of 358 talukas in the state, the government has declared nearly 75 per cent, 265, drought-hit.
Ministers stress cost-cutting, administration approves car purchase
Amid fear of a rise in the number of drought-hit talukas, the state minister Uday Samant has recently instructed officials to stop accepting formal honours or garlands, permanently stop serving dry fruits at official meetings, and ensure that only simple food is served.
Radhakrisha Vikhe Patil, another member of the Maharashtra Cabinet, went a step further and publicly appealed to farmers to keep their expenses to a minimum during this difficult time.
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On the other hand, the GAD announced a revised review on September 4, soon after the swearing-in of Lokayuktas. The administrative approval was granted the same day. In the latest GR, the funds were also sanctioned for the hefty purchase.