Odisha government raises questions on hiring of special jet and helicopter for Governor's visit to Sirsa

BHUBANESWAR: In an instance of increasing strain in the relationship between the Governor and the state government, the general administration department has raised questions over the visit of the former to Sirsa via New Delhi from Bhubaneswar and back between June 10 to June 13 by using jet aircraft and helicopter.

In a letter to the special secretary to the Governor, deputy secretary in the general administration department Indira Behera has said that the reason and circumstances for hiring of a helicopter for use of the Governor and whether approval of the competent authority has been taken or not for deviation in the approved schedule of the flight should be intimated.

The bill towards use of twin-engine jet aircraft legacy 650 (VK-AOK) from Bhubaneswar to New Delhi on June 10 and back from New Delhi to Bhubaneswar on June 13 amounted to Rs 41.18 lakh while the use of helicopter from New Delhi to Sirsa on June 10 cost Rs 5 lakh.

The general administration department has attached the bills raised by Pinnacle Air Private Limited in the letter.

The general administration department has asked special secretary to the Governor to return the invoices of the company after signing the user's certificate for further necessary action.