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| Dr Jitendra criticizes Rs10 cr spent on air-fleet | | | Early Times Report
Jammu, Feb 13: Accusing the National Conference (NC)- Congress coalition government of following misplaced priorities,BJP National Executive Member & J&K Chief Spokesperson Dr Jitendra Singh said here today that even as the state employees are constantly agitating for release of arrears and regular salary, it is baffling to come across reports that during the past 10 years, which include over five years of the present National Conference (NC)- Congress regime, an amount of Rs 310 crore has been spent on purchase of air-fleet. "What is more appalling is the revelation that in the last three years of NC-Congress rule, an amount of Rs 12 crore has been incurred on the plane and chopper sorties to facilitate movement of dignitaries", he added.
Dr Jitendra Singh took serious exception to reports that,instead of being apologetic about such extravagant air-fleet expenditure despite the financial crunch,the State government is contemplating purchase of more choppers including the sophisticated "Light Twin-Engine Helicopters" and that the the government has already shortlisted some foreign companies to go ahead with the purchase.
Elaborating further, Dr Jitendra Singh stated, at present the Jammu and Kashmir air-fleet consists of one fixed-wing aircraft (King Air-350) and two helicopters...double engine Augusta 109 and single engine Bell 407. The 2006 model Augusta is used to ferry VVIPs and VIPs including the Governor, the Chief Minister, the cabinet ministers and other dignitaries from outside to remote and inaccessible areas while the 2001-model Bell is usually meant for ferrying Ministers of State, he informed.
Dr Jitendra Singh demanded a detailed paper from the coalition government to disclose what precisely was the nature of air sorties that took place during the last five years and how often was the state helicopter used to fly the so-called VVIPS to a tourist destination like Gulmarg or to carry them from their residential bungalows to the airport and back, and how often were the state helicopters actually used for their officially declared purpose which includes carrying out relief and rescue operations including evacuation of patients and injured persons from remote areas that remain cut off during winter following closure of roads due to snowfall. |
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