Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather Pulls Up Transport Minister Over Multiple Vehicles For Officers

Srinagar, Sept 24: Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather on Thursday pulled up Transport Minister Satish Sharma over the use of multiple government vehicles by officers holding additional departmental charges, questioning the justification for maintaining separate vehicles for different departments.

‎The Speaker questioned Sharma during the proceedings after the minister referred to the practice as a “legacy issue” and said the government would examine and correct it.

‎“Many officers have more than one vehicle because they have more than one department,” Rather said, questioning why an officer holding an additional charge should have to use a separate vehicle belonging to that department.

‎“If the legacy issue is wrong, will you follow that?” Rather asked.

‎Sharma responded that the government would address the issue and correct the practice.

Rather directed the minister to come before the House with the details during the ongoing session.

‎“You will have to come to us in front of this House,” the Speaker told Sharma, adding that the matter concerned the use of public resources.

‎Rather said the issue was particularly important given the financial constraints faced by the government.

‎“It is a matter of resources. This poor department cannot afford luxuries,” he said.

‎The Speaker also objected to the use of several vehicles by officers and their staff when a single vehicle could potentially serve the purpose.

‎“It is not a luxury that you will sit in four vehicles with your officers and other people will be worried,” Rather said.

‎The exchange came during questioning of Sharma in the House, with the Speaker repeatedly seeking a clear position from the minister on the government’s proposed corrective action.

‎Sharma also assured the Speaker that he would study the matter and provide complete information during the ongoing session. (KNS)