THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: An order issuing an official government residence to Minister Saji Cheriyan has been issued. The residence is in Thaikkad village for a rent of Rs 85,000 per month in addition to electricity and water charges. The tourism department will soon carry out the maintenance of the residence.

When the fuel cess was introduced to overcome the financial crisis of the government, finding a residence with such high rent has become a topic of discussion. 10.20 lakhs will be spent on annual rent alone. House number 392 of Thaikkad Iswaravilasam Residents Association is owned by Varsha Chitra.

Saji Cheri needed a rented house because there was no government residence. Kowdiar House near Raj Bhavan was the official residence of Saji Cherian earlier when he became a minister. When he resigned as minister, Kowdiar House was allotted to minister V Abdur Rahman who was living in a rented house. The Chief Whip also has a rented house as his official residence. The rent is Rs 45,000 per month.