In what might strain the relationship between the Governor and the State Government, the General Administration Department (GAD) has issued a show-cause notice to the Governor’s Special Secretary regarding aircraft and chopper expenses amounting to nearly Rs 46 lakh by the Governor.
In a letter, GAD Deputy Secretary Indira Behera has sought a clarification on the purposes of Governor Professor Ganeshi lal’s visits and use of a jet aircraft and helicopter during his visit to New Delhi and Sirsa of Haryana between June 10 and June 14.
“It may be kindly intimated the reason and circumstances for hiring of a helicopter for use of Governor and deviation in the approved schedule of the flight and whether approval of the competent authority has been taken for the purpose or not,” the letter read. As per the official communiqué issued by the State Government, it has been mentioned that a twin-engine jet aircraft
Government wants clarification on Guv’s air travel expenses was used by the Governor to visit New Delhi from Bhubaneswar on June 10 and back to Bhubaneswar on June 13.
As per the invoices of Pinnacle Air Pvt limited mentioned in the letter, the cost of hiring the aircraft has been estimated at Rs 41.18 lakh.
Similarly, an expense of Rs 5 lakh has been incurred for the Governor’s visit to Sirsa in Haryana from New Delhi in a chopper on June 10.
Besides, the GAD has asked to explain the reason and circumstances for hiring of a helicopter for use of the Governor and the deviation in the approved schedule of the flight.
The department has sought to know whether approval of the competent authority was taken for the purpose or not.
In reaction to the incident, BJP spokesperson lekhashree Samantasinhar said the State Government is pointing finger at a Constitutional head. Does the department question the Chief Minister when he travels to different places by air, she questioned.
However, BJD spokesperson Samir Ranjan Dash said the Government officials might have questioned about it as they might have found some deviation. The BJP out of desperation is politicising every issue.