Mayor’s official car can’t cost more than Rs7.5 lakh: Government

The state government has ruled that the Mumbai mayor cannot be allotted an official car that is costlier than Rs7.5 lakh.

A circular to this effect was issued couple of weeks ago, the state government which said that the official cars for mayors of A-class cities (Mumbai, Pune, Nashik, Aurangabad and Nagpur) should not cost more than Rs7.5 lakh.

The state has not specified or placed any restriction on the make or model of the car, but has stipulated the upper limit of the cost.

While there is no official confirmation, sources claim the move follows court directives after a petition questioned how ministers and other authorities were using luxurious cars. There also used to be a provision that did not allow costlier cars for civic committee chairmen or other public representatives

In its response to the petition, the state government had said that luxurious cars were being provided only to ministers, and not to other public representatives. “The mayor and commissioner were exempted from the rule, in keeping with official protocol,” the officer said.

While the circular doesn’t mention when it comes into effect, as also what happens to the current car used by the mayor, it will certainly affect purchasing of cars in future, said a civic official.

The Mumbai mayor and the civic commissioner are using Honda City cars currently, which definitely cost more than Rs 7.5 lakh.

BJP corporator Bhalchandra Shirsat had asked for similar cars for all committee chairmen of the civic body, but the then commissioner Jairaj Phatak disallowed it. He also cited the government rule book saying civic authorities could not use similar cars as that of ministers who rank much higher in protocol.

After this, Mahindra Logan cars were given to committee chairmen while ward committee chairpersons were offered Tata Indicas.

Mayor Shraddha Jadhav said she was not aware of the circular, but said she will find out more about it.