THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Amid huge financial crisis, the state government has decided to hire helicopters worth Rs 80 lakh rent per month for VIPs like Chief Minister, governor and the DGP. The decision was taken in the cabinet meeting held on Wednesday. Although the tender was approved by the police in December 2021, the cabinet meeting did not give permission. The government rejected the police's recommendation last July citing financial crisis. Now, it has been decided to make a new contract for helicopter through competitive auction.

The copter will be mainly used for the Chief Minister's journey with Z Plus security. Private copters are now hired on daily basis for travelling to northern districts. Helicopters not more than 15 years old that can carry six VIPs, nine regular passengers and their 10 kg luggage each, will be hired for 3 years. VIPs will have spacious seats. The copter won’t fly in case of unfavourable climate.

The police had earlier selected Chipsan Aviation, which runs copter services for the Chief Ministers of Tamil Nadu, Odisha and Maharashtra. It will fly for 20 hours for Rs 80 lakh. Rs 90,000 have to be paid for additional hours.

Rs 22.21 crore was spent on the copter, which was rented for a monthly rent of 1.70 crore a few years ago. But it was not used much. In Chhattisgarh, the monthly rent for the same copter was Rs 85 lakh. The rent is paid from the Central Fund for Police Reforms.

Missions

VIP travel, aerial surveillance, surveillance in forest areas for Maoists, rescue operations, surveillance in coastal and tourist and pilgrimage areas.

Army helicopter is ready, still….

1) Air Force will send copter from Thiruvananthapuram and Navy from Kochi if requested by Chief Secretary.

2) There is no need for payment. It will be deducted in remittances between the Centre and the states.

3) It will fly in any weather and perform rescue missions.

4) 18% GST for private helicopters, no tax for army copters.