Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi has submitted an adjournment motion in the Lok Sabha, seeking a discussion on the expenditure incurred by the Assam government on air travel for chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and other VIPs. Gaurav Gogoi expressed concern over the significant amount of Rs 58,23,07,104 reportedly spent on air travel, including for non-governmental purposes, emphasizing the need for accountability and responsible budget allocation.
In a letter to the Lok Sabha secretary general, Gogoi highlighted the alleged use of chartered flights for attending political events and weddings outside Assam, raising questions about potential violations of the Election Commission’s Model Code of Conduct. He stressed the urgency of investigating such misuse of public resources and demanded transparency regarding the travel expenditure, including specific purposes and justifications for using chartered flights.
The adjournment motion underscores the importance of upholding ethical governance and preventing similar misuses in the future, stating that unchecked spending on VIP travel sets a dangerous precedent. Gaurav Gogoi emphasized the national significance of the matter, calling for immediate attention from the Parliament.
Meanwhile, the Lok Sabha is scheduled to discuss the ‘White Paper’ presented by union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman, comparing the economic management of the Congress-led UPA government with that of the BJP-ruled dispensation. In the Rajya Sabha, discussions will focus on bills including the Jammu and Kashmir Local Bodies Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024, and the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Bill, 2024, among others.
The ongoing Budget Session, which commenced with President Droupadi Murmu’s address to the joint sitting of both Houses on January 31, has been extended till February 9, with various legislative matters being addressed, including the passage of the Finance Bill, 2024.
