Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan's copter ride billed to Ockhi fund, revoked
Thiruvananthapuram: The controversial order sanctioning Rs 8 lakh from Ockhi relief fund for helicopter trip of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan from Thrissur to Thiruvannathapruam and back has been withdrawn following a huge controversy.
The additional chief secretary (revenue) had issued the order sanctioning the amount from the CM’s relief fund.
An official release from CM’s office said that the Chief Minister and ministers had taken the helicopter trip on December 26 to meet the Central Team visiting the state following Ockhi disaster. The disaster management department had issued an order to meet the expenses from the state disaster fund which is part of National Disaster Fund. The order was issued without the knowledge of either the CM or his office. On the direction of the Chief Minister the order has been scrapped.
The CM’s office clarified that it was not aware of the order sanctioning amount from Ockhi relief fund. Chief secretary Paul Antony scrapped the order.
Even revenue minister’s office stated that the order had not come to his notice. The chief minister had reached Thiruvananthapuram after inaugurating CPM district conference in Thrissur to take part in a meeting with the central team which visited Ockhi affected areas in the state.
After meeting the Central delegation and Cabinet meeting, the Chief Minster returned by the chopper to Thrissur the same day. Rs 8 lakh was charged as rent for the double engine helicopter and subsequently the additional chief secretary revenue P.H. Kurien issued the order allocating the amount on January 6.
In normal course the General Administration Department makes allocation for the travel of Chief Minister. Sources said though the Chief Minister’s trip was Thrissur-Thrivananthapruam-Thrissur, in the order only visit to meet the central team was mentioned.
Opposition leader Ramesh Chennithala said the government was robbing money from the fund meant for disaster relief.
The order issued by additional chief secretary revenue states that a helicopter (AW 109 E Twin Engine Helicopter) has been hired from a private aviation company for the to and fro journey of the chief minister from Nattika helipad Thrissur to Thiruvananthapuram on December 26 in connection with the visit of intern ministerial central team for assessment of the prevailing Ockhi cyclone situation. It is also informed that the invoice submitted by the private aviation company for an amount of Rs 13,09,800 and after negotiation they have assured to operate the helicopter for a rate of Rs 8 lakh and the State Police Chief requested to release an amount of Rs 8 lakh for for making payment .
The government has examined the matter in detail and are pleased to accord sanction to District Collector Thiruvananthapuram to release and disburse an amount of Rs 8 lakh only.
