Introduction of chopper service in the state has so far pinched the state exchequer to the tune of around Rs.5 crore during the last five years.
Parliamentary secretary for transport Dako Phom revealed this in the floor of the house while answering to a starred question raised by Joshua Sumi from the opposition bench. The chopper service was introduced in the state on December 1, 2007 with central subsidy of 75 per cent of the total operational expenditure after deduction of amount realised as users’ charge.
As per the agreement, minimum flying hours per month was 50 hours and a total expenditure of Rs. 33,91,97,238/- has been incurred so far which included the state share of about Rs.8.48 crore while the state has earned a total revenue of Rs.2,92,05,441/- only.
Several members from the opposition bench rapped the transport department and asked why the service was running at a loss when the centre was providing 75 per cent subsidy.
Chief minister Neiphiu Rio, while intervening expressed gratefulness to the Government of India for the chopper service saying that the state was getting much benefit from the service. VIPs availed the service during visits to different part of the state.
Rio also pointed out when the governor or chief minister make any official visits to any part of the state using the chopper service, it reduced 50 per cent of the expenditures, manpower and resources and added that the state was not losing but benefiting.
Joining in the discussion, opposition member I. Imkong suggested that when VIPs use the service, the charge should be transferred to the account of the transport department so that such figure of loses would not arise.