Odisha Chief Secy expresses regret on letter seeking clarification on Governor’s chopper rides

Bhubaneswar: A day after Deputy Secretary of the General Administration department, Indira Behera shot a letter to the special secretary to Governor Ganeshi Lal seeking clarification on aircraft and chopper expenses, Chief Secretary AP Padhi  today met the Governor and expressed regrets over the matter.

In a media release issued by the State government, Public Relations Officer (PRO) to Chief Secretary, UK Mohapatra stated, “The Chief Secretary apprised the Governor that the visit of the Governor from Bhubaneswar to Sirsa by chartered flights had already been approved by the State government.”

The release further mentioned that the Chief Secretary expressed regret for the manner in which the letter was issued to the Governor’s office regarding the use of aircraft and stringent action will be taken against all responsible for his miscommunication.

Yesterday, the Deputy Secretary had sent a letter and sought clarification on the purpose of the Governor’s visit and use of chopper and Jet during his visit to New Delhi and Haryana between June 10 and June 14 incurring an expenditure of Rs 46 lakh.

“It may be kindly intimated the reason and circumstances for hiring of a helicopter for use of Governor and deviation in the approved schedule of the flight and whether approval of the competent authority has been taken for the purpose or not (sic),” the letter read.