Guwahati, 6th February: During the Budget session of the Assam Legislative Assembly, Sivasagar legislator Akhil Gogoi raised questions regarding the total expenditure incurred by the state government on hiring chartered flights and helicopters between 2021 and 2024.
In response to Gogoi’s query, Minister Ranjit Das revealed that the government led by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma spent Rs 58,23,07,104 on helicopters and chartered flights over the last two and a half years.
Das provided detailed expenditure figures for each fiscal year, indicating that Rs 10,19,81,946 was spent during 2021-22, Rs 34,01,05,845 between 2022-23, and Rs 14,02,19,313 between 2023-2024 till date.
Akhil Gogoi further pressed for specifics regarding the expenditure on air travel by the Chief Minister from May 10, 2021, onwards, as well as details of expenses incurred by other ministers for their travel.
Gogoi demanded information on the dates, locations, and modes of travel (chartered aircraft or helicopter) utilized by the Chief Minister for government purposes, along with the corresponding expenditure. He also sought clarification on whether the Chief Minister personally covered the airfare for any of these trips.
Additionally, Gogoi questioned whether the Chief Minister had utilized government-funded aircraft for personal activities unrelated to official duties or for election campaign purposes.
Accusing CM Himanta Biswa Sarma of allegedly misusing state government funds for hiring helicopters and chartered planes, Akhil Gogoi criticized the Chief Minister for purportedly enjoying these privileges at the expense of public money.
Gogoi’s inquiries shed light on the transparency and accountability expected from government officials regarding the expenditure of public funds on transportation, highlighting the need for thorough scrutiny and oversight in such matters.
Read More: Assam: Local Community Rescues Rare Eagle Bird in Bongaigaon District