GUWAHATI: The Assam Government spent over ₹50 crore on air travel of the Chief Minister, other Ministers and dignitaries from May 10, 2021 to January 30, 2024.
After MLA of Sibsagar, Akhil Gogoi, questioned about the air travel expenditure of Assam Chief minister, other ministers and VIP visits to the state, Minister of General Administration Department, Ranjeet Kumar Dass replied to the assembly on January 6 that the total expenditure on commercial flights and helicopter rides of the Chief Minister, other ministers and VIP visits has been ₹5823.07 lakh.
Among the list of questions put forward, it was also asked whether the CM spent government funds for personal reasons or for the party's (BJP) poll campaigns to which Dass replied, "The Assam Chief Minister has not utilised air travel facility under government expenditure for any work that is not associated to the government or for the poll campaign of the party that he represents."
Dass further mentioned that, Assam Tourism Development Corporation (ATDC) takes helicopters on rent for a certain fixed price on a monthly basis and the facility is used by the governor, Chief Minister, other ministers, high dignitaries and senior officials of the state as and when required. Moreover, the helicopter service is used by 'high dignitaries' of the union government and other states whenever the need arises during their Assam visit.
The data provided by Dass indicating the early expenditure is attached below.
