VIP sorties cost Jammu and Kashmir nearly Rs 12 crore in 3 years

JAMMU: The VIP sorties in state aircraft and helicopters has cost Jammu and Kashmir nearly Rs 12 crore in the last three years, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah told the state Assembly here on Tuesday.

The expenditure incurred on the state aircraft and helicopters during the last three years since 2010 has been Rs 1,196.45 lakh, CM said in a reply to a cut motion of JKNPP member Harshdev Singh in the Assembly.

The year-wise expenditure is Rs 440.55 lakh in 2010-11, Rs 360.19 lakh in 2011-12 and Rs 395.71 lakh in 2012-13 upto February end, he said, adding, this includes fuel charges, insurance of the helicopters and aircraft; and landing, parking and maintenance charges.

Jammu and Kashmir has one King Air-350 Aircraft and two helicopters of models Bell-407 and Augusta-109E.

The aircraft and helicopters are meant to facilitate the movements of dignatories, Governor and Chief Minister, besides ministers and others.