Shortfall of 135 buses in Nagaland as of March, 2016
DIMAPUR, NOVEMBER 2 (MExN): From 2013 to 2016, the Nagaland State Government has spent approximately Rs 13.73 Crores for the purchase of SUVs and other vehicles, excluding buses. This was revealed by the State Transport Department in a reply to an RTI filed by the ACAUT Nagaland.
The documents, made available to the media, show that in 2013-14, the government purchased 18 Boleros, 18 Innovas and 8 other vehicles for Rs 3.85 Crores. In 2014-15, 2 Boleros, 8 Innovas, 3 Fortuners and 12 other vehicles were purchased for Rs 3.04 Crores; while in 2015-16, 25 Boleros, 30 Innovas and 2 other vehicles were purchased for Rs 6.83 Crores.
The documents also showed that no buses were purchased by the government in 2013-14 and 2014-15, despite 37 buses being condemned in 2013-14 and 39 buses being condemned in 2014-15. The shortfall of buses in the state as of March 2016 was 135.
The department, in its reply, stated that the reason for shortage of buses is due to condemnation of buses owing to old age and inability to replenish the fleet strength. The reason for inability to replenish the fleet strength, it informed, was due to non receipt of fund from the government during 2013-14 and 2014-15.
It however stated that in 2010-11, 12 buses were bought for Rs 1,45,31,728; in 2011-12, 14 buses were procured for Rs 2,71,16389; and in 2012-13, 20 buses were purchased for Rs 3,82,37,928.
Overall, from 2010 to March 2016, the documents showed that only 46 buses were purchased, with the number of buses condemned being 181; a shortfall of 135 buses. T
he department has already submitted proposal to the government for purchase of 40 new buses which is under consideration of the government.
Regarding the decision to buy brand new vehicles, the Transport Department in its reply stated that it is the prerogative of the department. “The department buys new vehicles based on urgent requirements within the specific fund allotment made for the purpose,” it added.
How can govt claim it has no money: ACAUT
Meanwhile, the ACAUT Nagaland in a press note questioned: “How can the government claim it doesn’t have money” to pay teachers in the state.
It claimed that the amount spent on government vehicles, excluding buses, and the alleged “siphoning” of money through discrepancy in the distribution of SK Oil and wheat in the state shows that “it had more than enough funds at its disposal to not only pay the 10% state share but to even pay the entire salaries of SSA/RMSA combined if needed be.” Condemning the use of water cannon during the NSSATA protest in Kohima, the ACAUT asked the government not to trivialize agitations.
“When the SSA, RMSA and Hindi teachers haven’t been paid for more than half a year, the habitual attitude of the government to dismiss the genuine grievances of the teachers as politically motivated is uncalled for, immoral and highly condemnable,” it added.
