THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: While the state government is tightening its belt and Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan himself has urged the public to contribute generously to rebuild Kerala, a government agency chaired by the chief minister himself is refurbishing its official vehicle with costly accessories.
The Kerala State Literacy Mission Authority (KSLMA) has invited quotations for installing about 20 accessories like Blaupunkt car stereo, alloy wheels, video parking sensors, reverse camera, chrome-plated rear view mirrors, chrome window garnish, Crysta- model seat covers and wood finish stickers for the 2012 model Toyota Innova car, that too before September 15. According to sources, the cost of the accessories and the cost for publishing the quotation would come to a few lakh rupees.
KSLMA director P.S. Sreekala has justified the decision saying that they had dropped the plans to purchase a new vehicle. While she maintained that the existing vehicle was being repaired to ensure safety, sources said most of the accessories being listed by KSLMA in the quotation were luxury features and not safety-related.
"Our executive committee had earlier decided to buy a new vehicle as the existing one is six years old and has run nearly two lakh kilometres. But that was dropped owing to austerity measures and hence the vehicle is being repaired to ensure safety," Ms. Sreekala told DC.
When asked how in-car accessories like chrome finishing, stereo and wood finish stickers will ensure the vehicle's safety, she said "going for a new car would have been a more costly affair." Sources also said that some of the accessories prescribed by KSLMA like the sun-film and anti-glare film on front glass may be a violation of motor vehicles norms.
