MARGAO
With the MMC chairperson eligible for an official vehicle with a price tag in the region of Rs 13 lakh, the civic body has this time round knocked the doors of the government, seeking permission to spend Rs 15.41 lakh on the new vehicle for the chairperson.
Sources in the know said the Director of Municipal Administration has still not conveyed the government's nod to the civic body to go in for the new swanky car for the chairperson, but has sought certain clarifications, including a query
whether the Municipality had made a budgetary provision for the purchase of the vehicle.
Babita, however, says she fails to understand why certain persons are out to make an issue out of a non-issue. "The Municipality has proposed to buy the Innova vehicle since the existing Corolla Altis vehicle has been giving problems. Last time round, I had decided to return back the Crysta car back to the company since questions were raised on the non-availability of the buy-back option," Babita said, adding that she has told the Chief Minister to take a decision if the proposal falls within the norms.
The MMC chairperson pointed out that existing Corolla Altis car is due for condemnation in November, adding that the civic body is within its right to purchase a new vehicle.
Babita has been using the Maruti Ertiga vehicle, which was procured by the Municipality for the Municipal engineer around, two months ago. The Corolla Altis, which was repaired for an amount of Rs 1.10 lakh earlier this year, is presently lying in the Municipal garage, awaiting condemnation.
MMC's move to purchase a new Innova car last year had kicked up a huge storm after activists questioned the Municipality for going in for a luxury car for the chairperson at the cost of public money. The Innova car, was later returned back to the company after the intervention of Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardesai, who insisted that the Municipal chairperson, would instead use her private vehicle for official use.
Babita, however, says she fails to understand why certain persons are out to make an issue out of a non-issue. "The Municipality has proposed to buy the Innova vehicle since the existing Corolla Altis vehicle has been giving problems. Last time round, I had decided to return back the Crysta car back to the company since questions were raised on the non-availability of the buy-back option," Babita said, adding that she has told the Chief Minister to take a decision if the proposal falls within the norms.
The MMC chairperson pointed out that existing Corolla Altis car is due for condemnation in November, adding that the civic body is within its right to purchase a new vehicle.
Babita has been using the Maruti Ertiga vehicle, which was procured by the Municipality for the Municipal engineer around, two months ago. The Corolla Altis, which was repaired for an amount of Rs 1.10 lakh earlier this year, is presently lying in the Municipal garage, awaiting condemnation.
MMC's move to purchase a new Innova car last year had kicked up a huge storm after activists questioned the Municipality for going in for a luxury car for the chairperson at the cost of public money. The Innova car, was later returned back to the company after the intervention of Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardesai, who insisted that the Municipal chairperson, would instead use her private vehicle for official use.
