Srinagar: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has approved the release of additional funds amounting to Rs. 14.85 crore for the procurement of 90 Mahindra Scorpio vehicles for the Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs).

This sanction was issued as part of the Motor Garages Capex Budget for the year 2024-25. The funds, which will be drawn from the “Purchase and Replacement of Vehicles” allocation, will be placed at the disposal of the Director, Motor Garages, J&K.

The vehicles will be procured through the Government e-Marketplace (GEM) portal in compliance with the General Financial Rules (GFR) 2017, after completing due e-tendering procedures and formalities.

The order also states that the funds are to be used specifically for the purpose of vehicle procurement and must not be diverted or re-appropriated for any other use.

The department has been instructed to ensure that there is no idle parking of the funds, and no new posts, including drivers, shall be created as part of this procurement.

The Director, Motor Garages, has been tasked with ensuring that all financial transactions related to the procurement are secured and guaranteed, with the utilization certificates and red accounts to be submitted by March 31, 2025.—(News Vibes of India)