J&K Govt approves Rs 14.85 crore for procurement of vehicles for MLAs

Srinagar, Oct 22: The Jammu and Kashmir government has sanctioned an additional 14.85 crore rupees for the procurement of 90 Mahindra Scorpio vehicles for the Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs).
As per the details available with Rising Kashmir, the funds, drawn under the “Purchase and Replacement of Vehicles” scheme in the Motor Garages Capex Budget for the 2024-25 fiscal year, have been placed at the disposal of the Director of Motor Garages, J&K, for the acquisition of these vehicles.
A communique in this regard reads that the procurement process will follow all necessary procedures, including the use of the Government e-Marketplace (GEM) portal in compliance with the General Financial Rules (GFR) 2017.
The Director and Accounts Officer of Motor Garages are responsible for ensuring that the funds are properly allocated for the specific purpose of purchasing the vehicles, it said.
It further said these funds must not be diverted or re-appropriated, and any idle parking of funds is strictly prohibited.
According to the statement, no new posts, such as drivers, will be created for the new vehicles, and all formalities must be completed through the e-tendering process.
The Director of Motor Garages must guarantee that any advance payments made are secured and adequately guaranteed, it mentions. Utilisation certificates (UCs) and accounts for the advance drawal must be submitted to the appropriate authorities by March 31, 2025 so to ensure timely accountability for the use of the allocated funds, it added.
The Finance Department provided concurrence for this order on October 16, 2024, and reinforced the government’s commitment to facilitate the transportation needs of the MLAs.