BHUBANESWAR: The state government has spent around Rs 5.5 lakh in the last three years to purchase towels for the offices of the chief minister, other ministers, leader of the opposition, the government chief whip and the deputy chief whip.
This was revealed by the state parliamentary affairs department in response to an RTI application.
The government bought towels worth Rs 1,79,265 for these offices between April 2018 and March 2019.
It made purchases worth Rs 2,30,031 for the financial year 2019-20 and Rs 1,71,876 from April 2020 to February 2021.
After deduction of tax, the government has paid around Rs 5.5 lakh for the procurement of this item.
The government has spent more than Rs 4.6 lakh in the last three years for the procurement of papers used for printing and photocopy.
It purchased cups, plates, glasses and thermo flasks worth around Rs 4.19 lakh between April 2018 and February 2021.
The RTI reply sought by rights activist, Akhand, revealed that more than Rs 5.2 lakh has been spent on writing accessories in the last three years, while around Rs 12.3 lakh was spent on purchasing furniture.
“The purpose of seeking this information is to know the government expenditure for the offices of the chief minister, ministers, leader of opposition, government chief whip and government deputy chief whip,” he said.