Shimla
Amid of financial crises, Himachal Pradesh State Marketing Board has bought nine SUVs for chairmen of different Agriculture Produce Market Committees (APMCs). Each vehicle costs between ₹16 lakh and ₹24 lakh.
Three Scorpio-N 4×4 vehicles have already been given to chairmen, and six more will be delivered soon. The government approved the purchase. Half of the money was given by the state government, and the rest was paid by the Marketing Board and APMCs.
There are 10 APMCs in Himachal Pradesh, but only nine have chairmen at present. Una district does not have a chairman, so nine vehicles were bought.
Agriculture Minister Chander Kumar said he was not aware of the decision. Marketing Board Chairman Kuldeep Singh Pathania said the vehicles were purchased before he took charge and assured there would be no misuse.
The decision has faced criticism. APMCs collect fees from farmers and orchardists. Critics say this money should be used to improve market facilities instead of buying expensive vehicles.
Questions have also been raised because APMC chairmen are not entitled to permanent government vehicles. Rules allow vehicles only for official work, but reports say some chairmen are using them regularly, even for daily travel.
