You feel the pinch, we won’t give an inch

While Punjab chief minister (CM) Parkash Singh Badal and son and deputy CM Sukhbhir Singh move in a fleet of bullet-proof Mitsubishi Monteros and Pajeros worth millions, the state government has decided to lower vehicle categories for bureaucrats as part of its austerity drive.

This comes soon after over 150 senior Akali Dal leaders, including Badal and Sukhbir, held a chintan baithak in a five-star hotel in Shimla.

The decision to lower the vehicle category entitlement for officers, including the chief secretary, principal secretaries, financial commissioners and heads of departments, has been taken in view of the financial crunch in the state.

Under the new rules, the chief secretary, who is otherwise entitled to a Toyota Camry costing over Rs20 lakh, would be given a Toyota Corolla worth Rs10 lakh.

Principal secretaries and financial commissioners of the rank of the chief secretary who are entitled to Toyota Corollas, however, can continue with them.

Other officials, including principal secretaries and financial commissioners not of the rank of the chief secretary, and administrative secretaries would be entitled to either Honda Citys or Maruti SX-4s (cost Rs7-8 lakh), a state government spokesperson said.

No cuts have been announced for CM, dy CM and other ministers. Apart from expensive SUVs, CM and dy CM have a cavalcade of vehicles following them at all times, including jammer-fitted security vehicles. Both are in the Z-plus security cover category.