THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Raj Bhavan has formally requested the government for a substantial increase in the annual allocation for the governor's travel and hospitality, seeking a total of Rs. 2.60 crore. Sources within Raj Bhavan have disclosed that the request aligns with the proportional rise in expenses incurred over time. The augmented travel allowance is attributed to Governor Arif Muhammad Khan's frequent trips to Delhi necessitating a six-and-a-half-fold increase in travel expenses.

The breakdown includes a demand for 20 times the current guest expenses and 36 times the entertainment expenses. Additionally, the proposal encompasses other allowances such as contract allowance, office expenses and renovation of office furniture.

It's noteworthy that the Governor's allowances are typically governed by the Governor's Allowances and Privileges Rules, 1987 issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs. As per these rules, the limit for payment in six categories stands at Rs 32 lakhs. Despite an annual budget allocation of Rs 30 lakh, considering the expenditure over the past decade totaling about three crore rupees, it has been customary to provide the excess amount through additional allocation or restructuring.