Speaker directs Government to finalise, notify new Car Policy within 15 days

SRINAGAR, SEPTEMBER 30 (PTK): Legislative Assembly Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather today directed the Government to finalise and notify the new Car Policy within 15 days, taking serious note of the prolonged delay in framing the policy.

The direction came after Transport Minister Satish Sharma presented a status report on the matter, informing the House that the department would undertake the necessary inter-departmental consultations and complete the required formalities for finalisation of the policy.

The Speaker said the issue should not remain pending any further and stressed the need for clear and updated rules governing the entitlement and use of Government vehicles, particularly in view of concerns regarding the use of public resources.

Rather observed that the matter had remained under consideration for nearly five years, moving between different departments despite the Government having already accepted in principle the need for a new Car Policy.

He said the entitlement of Government functionaries should be clearly defined through a comprehensive policy and called for expeditious completion of the process.

The Speaker clarified that the issue was not against Government officers, who should be provided vehicles and other facilities legitimately entitled to them under the prescribed rules.

He further emphasized that a clear policy was necessary to ensure the proper and judicious use of public resources and directed the concerned authorities to complete the process within the stipulated 15-day deadline. (PTK)