Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala Government has decided to purchase 24 new Toyota Innova Hycross ZX(O) Strong Hybrid vehicles for the official use of its Ministers, Chief Secretary and State guests. The procurement is estimated to cost ₹9.60 crore, according to an order issued by the General Administration Department (GAD) on November 12.
The new vehicles will include 22 cars for the use of the Ministers and Chief Secretary Bishwananth Sinha, an IAS officer of the 1992 batch from the Kerala cadre, while the remaining two will be reserved for State guests. The Tourism Department has been assigned the responsibility of procuring the vehicles.
According to the GAD order, the existing vehicles used by most Ministers have considerably deteriorated in mechanical condition due to prolonged use. Their frequent repair and maintenance requirements have increased expenditure and affected their reliability and availability for official duties.
Kerala Government Cites Deteriorating Condition of Existing Vehicles
The General Administration Department stated that the existing vehicles require frequent repairs and maintenance, resulting in higher costs. It also highlighted the need for suitable and well-maintained vehicles to enable Ministers to attend official engagements, meetings, field visits and government functions.
The order noted that periodic replacement of vehicles has become necessary to ensure their reliability and availability for official work.
The estimated procurement cost is ₹9.60 crore. However, the actual expenditure will be determined based on prevailing rates and applicable charges at the time of purchase, the order stated.
Two Vehicles to Be Reserved for State Guests
Apart from the 22 vehicles allocated for Ministers and the Chief Secretary, two Toyota Innova Hycross ZX(O) Strong Hybrid cars will be procured for protocol purposes.
The department observed that the vehicles currently available with the government are inadequate to meet the growing requirements arising from visits by VIPs, foreign dignitaries and other distinguished guests to the State.
The Tourism Department will oversee the procurement process to meet these official and protocol requirements.
Vehicle Purchase Sparks Debate Over Government Spending
The decision to purchase 24 new vehicles has triggered a debate in Kerala, particularly in view of Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan’s earlier position on government expenditure.
After taking charge in May this year, Satheesan had decided to use a vehicle that was already in service, stating that the government should avoid unnecessary expenditure amid financial constraints. He had also decided to do away with the Chief Minister’s motorcade.
The latest purchase decision has also drawn attention to an earlier controversy in September, when Minister for Local Bodies K. M. Shaji’s reported decision to use a luxury sports utility vehicle, allegedly borrowed from a businessperson friend, as his official vehicle attracted criticism.
The proposed procurement has therefore brought the issue of government spending and the need to replace ageing official vehicles into public discussion.
