Govt sanctions Rs 32 lakh for purchase of new Innova Crysta car for P Jayarajan

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: P Jayarajan, Vice-Chairman of Khadi Board has been sanctioned Rs 32,11,792 for the purchase of a black-coloured Toyota Innova Crysta.

The car is bought from a firm in Thottada in Kannur. As per the order, a maximum of Rs 35 lakh was allocated. Following criticism, the 'high-security vehicle' remark has been dropped from the order. The amount is sanctioned from the marketing fund of the Khadi Board.

The order comes despite the Finance Department's ban on buying new vehicles amid the severe financial crisis. The chief secretary had issued an order on November 4 banning the purchase of new vehicles due to the financial crisis. Another order was issued by the finance department on November 9 extending financial restrictions for another year, including a ban on the purchase of new vehicles.

After this, ministers Roshy Augustine, VN Vasavan, V Abdurahiman, GR Anil and Chief Whip Dr N Jayaraj have been allowed Rs 33 lakh each to buy a new car. However, Khadi Board's explanation is that they are replacing a ten-year-old vehicle.