At a time when private corporates are taking cost cutting measures, Gujarat government has decided to replace cars used by the ministers. Chevrelot Optra, which is currently being used by the ministers, will now be replaced by Toyota's sports utility vehicle (SUV) Innova, said state government officials. Moreover, petrol Innova procured by the government for the ministers are being converted to CNG, sources added.
"Five years back, ministers were given Optra, which had cost Rs 7 lakh per car. Now we will replace those cars which have run over two lakh kilo metres," said a senior official in the state transport department. He added that each Innova has cost around Rs 8 lakh. However, the government's move has attracted criticism from the opposition parties, which contend that there was no need to indulge in such a extravaganza in time of recession.
"It is very unfortunate that this government is indulging in such extravaganza by giving luxurious cars to the ministers at a time when scores of farmers and diamond workers have committed suicides," said Gordhan Zadafia, president of Maha Gujarat Janta Party.
He alleged that the state government is trustee of the state's treasury but the incumbent government is behaving like its owner.
