Karnataka Raises Ministers’ Car Purchase Limit to Rs 31 Lakh Amid Severe Drought

Bengaluru: The Karnataka government has increased the purchase limit for official vehicles for state ministers and Members of Parliament from Rs 26 lakh to Rs 31 lakh, drawing criticism amid the ongoing drought and financial difficulties faced by farmers.

According to a government order issued on October 8, the revised ceiling of Rs 31 lakh includes Goods and Services Tax and applies to vehicle purchases for ministers and Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha members. The previous limit was fixed in August 2022. The order also advises officials to select fuel efficient vehicles with lower maintenance costs.

The decision comes as Karnataka continues to grapple with a severe rainfall deficit. As of October 8, the state government had declared 217 taluks drought affected, while assessments were continuing in the remaining taluks. The government has also released Rs 1,250 crore as the first instalment of drought relief and announced an input subsidy of Rs 2,500 for each eligible drought affected farmer.

The increase in the vehicle purchase limit has prompted questions about government spending priorities at a time when farmers are dealing with crop losses and uncertainty over their livelihoods. The government has been seeking additional financial assistance from the Centre to address the impact of the drought.

However, a senior minister quoted anonymously by The New Indian Express defended the decision, saying that vehicle prices had increased and that the revision was not unprecedented. Officials also stated that the vehicles remain government property and that replacement is permitted under specified conditions, including when a vehicle is three years old or has travelled one lakh kilometres.

The decision has renewed public debate over expenditure on official vehicles and the need to balance government facilities with the financial challenges facing drought affected communities.