Rs 3.04 Cr released for purchasing 8 new vehicles for CM's use

Jammu, Dec 24: J&K Government has sanctioned the purchase of eight new vehicles for the use of the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, at a cost of Rs 3.04 Cr.

J&K Transport Department has sanctioned the release of additional funds amounting to Rs 3.04 Cr under Capex budget 2024-25.

Funds, as per order, have been released under “demand no 8-Finance department, (08-5475-00-800-0011-1304-2-V-Modernisation and Infrastructure Development-115-works and its placement thereof, at the disposal of Director State Motor Garages, J&K for purchase of eight new vehicles (Toyota Fortuner) along with advance drawal to the extent of Rupees to be emerged out as L1 or Rs 3.04 Cr, whichever is less, subject to fulfilment of GRF-2017.”

Our of eight vehicles, four vehicles (Toyota Fortuner 4X2 AT), approximately costing per vehicle Rs 34 lakh, thus totalling Rs 1.36 Cr approximately, will be for Delhi, for use of the Chief Minister.

Out of other four vehicles (Toyota Fortuner 4X4 AT), approximately costing per vehicle Rs 42 lakh, thus totalling Rs 1.68 Cr approximately, two each will be for his (CM’s) use in Kashmir and Jammu.

Sanction of funds, however, will be subject to certain conditions. The conditions specify that there will be no idle parking of the amount at all and no post of driver will be created.

Besides, FA/CAO of the State Motor Garages (SMG) will vouchsafe the availability of funds for the purpose they are meant for.

“The Director SMG shall utilise the funds after fulfilment of all the codal formalities and after following due e-tendering process as per Manual of Procurement of Goods and GPR stipulations. The funds shall not be available for re-appropriation or diversion or deviation at any level,” conditions stipulate.

The UCs of the advance drawal will be furnished to all the concerned quarters within stipulated time but before March 31, 2025, it has been directed.

The Director SMG will reflect the additionality in the RE 2024-25, the conditions specify.

The order was issued following concurrence of the Finance department.