Northeast Desk, 12th September: Laltawnliana, President of the Mizoram Pradesh Youth Congress (MPYCC), has raised concerns about the recent purchase of vehicles by the Mizoram government, questioning its commitment to fiscal discipline. He highlighted that despite Chief Minister Lalduhoma’s announcement in December 2023, stating that no new vehicles would be purchased for 100 days following the inauguration of the Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM) government, three new vehicles have already been acquired.
The MPYCC President also pointed out that 2024 was designated as a period of fiscal restraint, during which Chief Ministers, Ministers, and MLAs were to limit their expenditures and refrain from purchasing new vehicles. Despite this, the Chief Minister is reported to possess five vehicles, some of which are in use by his office.
Specifically, three new Mahindra vehicles, costing Rs 17 lakh each, have been acquired as part of the Chief Minister’s escort fleet, totaling Rs 51 lakh. These vehicles, registered under the Director General of Police, Mizoram, arrived in Mualpui, Aizawl, in August. Additionally, a Mahindra XUV for the Assembly Speaker cost Rs 28 lakh, with a further Rs 23 lakh spent on renovations to the Speaker’s quarter, bringing the total to Rs 51 lakh.
Laltawnliana’s concerns come after an RTI response and a press conference by the Speaker confirmed the expenditures, raising questions about the government’s adherence to its own fiscal policy promises.
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