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<div class="itg-mosimage"><amp-img src="https://ancillary-proxy.atarimworker.dev?url=https%3A%2F%2Fakm-img-a-in.tosshub.com%2Fsites%2Fmedia2%2Findiatoday%2Fimages%2Fstories%2F1998January%2Fflying_090412085603.jpg" alt="" height="425" width="650" class="" layout="responsive"></amp-img><p>There is something in Parkash Singh Badal's name itself that takes him where he loves to be - in the clouds. His penchant for flying has known no bounds since February 12, 1997, the day he took over as chief minister of Punjab.</p><p>In the 11 months he has been in power, Badal has earned the controversial distinction of probably being the country's most frequently flying chief minister. The Akali supremo could easily have notched up many free air travel hours with a commercial airline. Only, he uses the state Government's aircraft, and it's the taxpayers' money that's going up in smoke. <br><br>Of the 316 hours and 35 minutes logged till December 31 by the Dauphin helicopter - on wet lease with the state Government - Badal alone has accounted for 233 hours and 44 minutes. His chopper bill has burnt a hole of Rs 3.27 crore - or Rs 1 lakh a day - in the precariously poised state exchequer. And all this air travel in Punjab, which can be criss-crossed by road in five hours. </p><p>Besides, Badal logged 32 hours on the state-owned VIP King Air C-90 plane, leaving the state poorer by another Rs 11 lakh. Being a non-plan expenditure, Badal has unrestricted access to funds for his flights. In the process, he has thrown to the winds his tall claims of "austere governance", which includes drawing a token Re 1 as salary.<br><br>Badal's extravagance is not limited to official functions. It often extends to political rallies and such mundane private functions as bhogs and marriages. "The helicopter has become Badal's addiction," says a top official of Punjab's Civil Aviation Department. </p><p>"He is using it like a taxi." And this, notwithstanding the Election Commission's (EC) code of conduct banning the use of a state plane or helicopter by politicians once the Lok Sabha polls are announced.</p><p>Badal's aides justify his love for being airborne on security grounds (he falls in the Z- plus security category). Says one: "In view of the high threat perception, travel by road is no longer safe for the chief minister." Not that Badal's flying saves expenses on the ground. When he is in the air, his security paraphernalia-a convoy of eight bullet-proof cars and a Rs 80 lakh frequency-jammer-flits around to position itself wherever he lands.</p><div class="itemcenter"><amp-iframe height="62" title="" width="320" sandbox="allow-forms allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-top-navigation allow-top-navigation-by-user-activation" allowfullscreen src="https://ancillary-proxy.atarimworker.dev?url=https%3A%2F%2Fakm-img-a-in.tosshub.com%2Fsites%2Findiatoday%2Fbanner%2Fpreferred-source-new.html%3Fv%3D1.014%5Cu0026native%3D1" class="mrBt15 preferred-source-banner"> </amp-iframe></div><table>

<tbody><tr><td><b>In his 11 months in 
office, the Punjab CM has frittered away Rs 3.27 crore of taxpayers' 
money on helicopter rides. That is, almost Rs 1 lakh a day.</b></td></tr></tbody>
</table></p><p>Also, the amount of time Badal spends at public functions, exposing himself to terrorist attack, lends credence to the fact that he flies more out of convenience. </p><p>"It's a question of comfort rather than security or costs," says a senior bureaucrat. Between a smooth, cosy ride in the air-conditioned, seven-seater helicopter and a bumpy drive on the potholed roads of Punjab, Badal's choice is clear. </p><p>Hired at fixed monthly charges of Rs 18.60 lakh from Pawan Hans Helicopter Ltd, the chopper offers other perks like less noise in the cabin, a working table and plenty of leg space. All this at a cost of Rs 33,000 per flying hour. Moreover, the chief minister does not even have to bother to go to the airport: the helicopter picks him up from his official residence in Chandigarh and drops him back right there.<br><br>The mid-term Lok Sabha election has only revved Badal up. His sorties have witnessed a steep rise, thanks to an intensive "mass-contact programme"- an euphemism for political mobilisation with an eye on the polls. Ingeniously enough, the Chief Minister's Office (CMO) has been passing off each of his political air trips as official ones. </p><p>More often than not, an innocuous official meeting is set up to cover up the chief minister's political, or even personal, itinerary. In November, Badal was helicopter-borne for 42 hours out of the total 48 hours logged. In December alone, the chief minister went on at least 14 sorties, logging 28 hours and 55 minutes. It was not the EC's ban but bad weather that played spoilsport to many of his planned air trips.<br><br>What stands out in Badal's hectic flying schedule is his favourite destination: his native village Badal, or the Faridkot parliamentary constituency that was till recently represented by heir apparent and son Sukhbir Singh Badal, who is again the Akali Dal candidate for the seat. In 11 months, the chief minister's chopper landed as many as 34 times in Badal village, which now boasts of two helipads. </p><p>The home district has been a major beneficiary of Badal's pre-poll benevolence in terms of several projects. "By flying in and out of Faridkot, he is ensuring the speedy implementation of projects," says a CMO official. No wonder Badal is now snidely referred to by the Opposition as "chief minister of Faridkot".<br><br>Security is the most repeated excuse given to dodge the EC. Since the EC's code of conduct came into force on December 5, the day the Lok Sabha was dissolved, Badal has used the helicopter at least 14 times, half of it to tour his son's constituency-again under cover of official functions. Take, for instance, his itinerary on December 26. </p><p>Wantonly flying in the face of the EC ban, Badal took the helicopter to Fatehgarh Sahib to launch the party's campaign at a political rally on the occasion of jor mela. And he later flew to Jalandhar to inaugurate a classical music festival in his official capacity. </p><div class="itg-mosimage"><amp-img src="https://ancillary-proxy.atarimworker.dev?url=https%3A%2F%2Fakm-img-a-in.tosshub.com%2Fsites%2Fmedia2%2Findiatoday%2Fimages%2Fstories%2F1998January%2Fflying2_090412085603.jpg" alt="" height="425" width="650" class="" layout="responsive"></amp-img></div></p><p>Neither Civil Aviation authorities nor the CMO tries to differentiate between the chief minister's political and official engagements. "Such distinction is deliberately overlooked," says a Civil Aviation official. And the state's Secretary, civil aviation, Y.S. Ratra, says his department can do little in the matter: "We are maintaining a manifest of every VIP flight.</p><p>But to see whether any flying is in violation of the EC directive is the duty of the CMO." The CMO seems to have no qualms whatsoever. Says D.P. Reddy, deputy principal secretary to the chief minister and the man responsible for requisitioning state aircraft: "As long as it is not a flagrant violation, the chief minister's flying need not be taken seriously." </p><p>In view of the EC's ban on use of aircraft even on security grounds, the Punjab Government has now sought exemption for Badal by citing the latest state intelligence reports about the grave threat to his life. </p><p>"It is imperative that security to protect Parkash Singh Badal should continue at the existing level during the electioneering ..." says a demi-official letter sent by Chief Secretary R.S. Mann on December 24. Appended to the letter is a five-page note by the state police chief, which, apart from quoting mundane intelligence reports, talks about a Pakistan-based militant group having despatched suicide squads to assassinate Badal.<br><br>Punjab's Chief Electoral Officer Brijendra Singh terms the use of air-craft-especially when official and political functions are clubbed together-as a "violation" of the code of conduct. And Badal's political opponents are crying foul over his frenetic flying for political purposes. Says one critic: "But for the helicopter, he would not have been in such flying spirits on the eve of elections."<br><br>Little wonder then that allegations of misuse of official machinery are flying thick and fast. "By turning a blind eye to Badal's flying obsession, the EC is playing a partisan role," says Opposition leader and PCC chief Rajinder Kaur Bhattal. </p><p>In January 1997, she, as chief minister, was made to cough up the charges for using the official aircraft for a political visit to Delhi after the elections to the Punjab Assembly were announced. Clearly, she cannot stomach the idea of Badal getting away scot-free.<br><br>Badal's fanciful flights have meant even denial of the helicopter to the governor at least twice. "Should I go walking?" was Badal's remark recently when told about the requisition by Raj Bhavan. This, in spite of a Home Department memo saying that the governor is to get precedence over all other dignitaries in the use of the state government helicopter.<br><br>The high cost of hiring a helicopter has made the Punjab Government think of purchasing one. A move is afoot to float a global tender to buy a Rs 18 crore chopper. "Given its high use, it would be economical to own a chopper," says Ratra. Considering Badal's fondness for flying, he is sure to put it to optimum use. As long as he doesn't run into rough weather with the EC.<br></p><div id="tab-link-wrapper-plugin"><div class="authors__container"><div class="authors__by"><div class="authlable">Published By: </div><div class="authdetaisl">AtMigration </div></div><div class="published__on"><div class="authlable">Published On: </div><div class="authdetaisl">Jan 12, 1998</div></div></div><div class="sendros">--- ENDS ---</div></div></div>

states

States

<div class="itg-mosimage"><div class="itgimage"><img  title=""  class="" alt="" src="https://ancillary-proxy.atarimworker.dev?url=https%3A%2F%2Fakm-img-a-in.tosshub.com%2Fsites%2Fmedia2%2Findiatoday%2Fimages%2Fstories%2F1998January%2Fflying_090412085603.jpg" loading="lazy" /></div><p>There is something in Parkash Singh Badal's name itself that takes him where he loves to be - in the clouds. His penchant for flying has known no bounds since February 12, 1997, the day he took over as chief minister of Punjab.</p><p>In the 11 months he has been in power, Badal has earned the controversial distinction of probably being the country's most frequently flying chief minister. The Akali supremo could easily have notched up many free air travel hours with a commercial airline. Only, he uses the state Government's aircraft, and it's the taxpayers' money that's going up in smoke. <br><br>Of the 316 hours and 35 minutes logged till December 31 by the Dauphin helicopter - on wet lease with the state Government - Badal alone has accounted for 233 hours and 44 minutes. His chopper bill has burnt a hole of Rs 3.27 crore - or Rs 1 lakh a day - in the precariously poised state exchequer. And all this air travel in Punjab, which can be criss-crossed by road in five hours. </p><p>Besides, Badal logged 32 hours on the state-owned VIP King Air C-90 plane, leaving the state poorer by another Rs 11 lakh. Being a non-plan expenditure, Badal has unrestricted access to funds for his flights. In the process, he has thrown to the winds his tall claims of "austere governance", which includes drawing a token Re 1 as salary.<br><br>Badal's extravagance is not limited to official functions. It often extends to political rallies and such mundane private functions as bhogs and marriages. "The helicopter has become Badal's addiction," says a top official of Punjab's Civil Aviation Department. </p><p>"He is using it like a taxi." And this, notwithstanding the Election Commission's (EC) code of conduct banning the use of a state plane or helicopter by politicians once the Lok Sabha polls are announced.</p><p>Badal's aides justify his love for being airborne on security grounds (he falls in the Z- plus security category). Says one: "In view of the high threat perception, travel by road is no longer safe for the chief minister." Not that Badal's flying saves expenses on the ground. When he is in the air, his security paraphernalia-a convoy of eight bullet-proof cars and a Rs 80 lakh frequency-jammer-flits around to position itself wherever he lands.</p><div class="itemcenter"><iframe scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" width="100%" height="62" awidth="320" aheight="62" amplayout="fixed" src="https://ancillary-proxy.atarimworker.dev?url=https%3A%2F%2Fakm-img-a-in.tosshub.com%2Fsites%2Findiatoday%2Fbanner%2Fpreferred-source-new.html%3Fv%3D1.014" class="preferred-source-banner" loading="lazy"></iframe></div><style>.preferred-source-banner{  margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom:10px;}</style><table style="margin-left: 8px; background-color: rgb(229, 229, 229);" align="right" border="1" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="3" height="40" width="240">

<tbody><tr><td><b style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">In his 11 months in 
office, the Punjab CM has frittered away Rs 3.27 crore of taxpayers' 
money on helicopter rides. That is, almost Rs 1 lakh a day.</b></td></tr></tbody>
</table></p><p>Also, the amount of time Badal spends at public functions, exposing himself to terrorist attack, lends credence to the fact that he flies more out of convenience. </p><p>"It's a question of comfort rather than security or costs," says a senior bureaucrat. Between a smooth, cosy ride in the air-conditioned, seven-seater helicopter and a bumpy drive on the potholed roads of Punjab, Badal's choice is clear. </p><p>Hired at fixed monthly charges of Rs 18.60 lakh from Pawan Hans Helicopter Ltd, the chopper offers other perks like less noise in the cabin, a working table and plenty of leg space. All this at a cost of Rs 33,000 per flying hour. Moreover, the chief minister does not even have to bother to go to the airport: the helicopter picks him up from his official residence in Chandigarh and drops him back right there.<br><br>The mid-term Lok Sabha election has only revved Badal up. His sorties have witnessed a steep rise, thanks to an intensive "mass-contact programme"- an euphemism for political mobilisation with an eye on the polls. Ingeniously enough, the Chief Minister's Office (CMO) has been passing off each of his political air trips as official ones. </p><p>More often than not, an innocuous official meeting is set up to cover up the chief minister's political, or even personal, itinerary. In November, Badal was helicopter-borne for 42 hours out of the total 48 hours logged. In December alone, the chief minister went on at least 14 sorties, logging 28 hours and 55 minutes. It was not the EC's ban but bad weather that played spoilsport to many of his planned air trips.<br><br>What stands out in Badal's hectic flying schedule is his favourite destination: his native village Badal, or the Faridkot parliamentary constituency that was till recently represented by heir apparent and son Sukhbir Singh Badal, who is again the Akali Dal candidate for the seat. In 11 months, the chief minister's chopper landed as many as 34 times in Badal village, which now boasts of two helipads. </p><p>The home district has been a major beneficiary of Badal's pre-poll benevolence in terms of several projects. "By flying in and out of Faridkot, he is ensuring the speedy implementation of projects," says a CMO official. No wonder Badal is now snidely referred to by the Opposition as "chief minister of Faridkot".<br><br>Security is the most repeated excuse given to dodge the EC. Since the EC's code of conduct came into force on December 5, the day the Lok Sabha was dissolved, Badal has used the helicopter at least 14 times, half of it to tour his son's constituency-again under cover of official functions. Take, for instance, his itinerary on December 26. </p><p>Wantonly flying in the face of the EC ban, Badal took the helicopter to Fatehgarh Sahib to launch the party's campaign at a political rally on the occasion of jor mela. And he later flew to Jalandhar to inaugurate a classical music festival in his official capacity. </p><div class="itg-mosimage"><div class="itgimage"><img  title=""  class="" alt="" src="https://ancillary-proxy.atarimworker.dev?url=https%3A%2F%2Fakm-img-a-in.tosshub.com%2Fsites%2Fmedia2%2Findiatoday%2Fimages%2Fstories%2F1998January%2Fflying2_090412085603.jpg" loading="lazy" /></div></div></p><p>Neither Civil Aviation authorities nor the CMO tries to differentiate between the chief minister's political and official engagements. "Such distinction is deliberately overlooked," says a Civil Aviation official. And the state's Secretary, civil aviation, Y.S. Ratra, says his department can do little in the matter: "We are maintaining a manifest of every VIP flight.</p><p>But to see whether any flying is in violation of the EC directive is the duty of the CMO." The CMO seems to have no qualms whatsoever. Says D.P. Reddy, deputy principal secretary to the chief minister and the man responsible for requisitioning state aircraft: "As long as it is not a flagrant violation, the chief minister's flying need not be taken seriously." </p><p>In view of the EC's ban on use of aircraft even on security grounds, the Punjab Government has now sought exemption for Badal by citing the latest state intelligence reports about the grave threat to his life. </p><p>"It is imperative that security to protect Parkash Singh Badal should continue at the existing level during the electioneering ..." says a demi-official letter sent by Chief Secretary R.S. Mann on December 24. Appended to the letter is a five-page note by the state police chief, which, apart from quoting mundane intelligence reports, talks about a Pakistan-based militant group having despatched suicide squads to assassinate Badal.<br><br>Punjab's Chief Electoral Officer Brijendra Singh terms the use of air-craft-especially when official and political functions are clubbed together-as a "violation" of the code of conduct. And Badal's political opponents are crying foul over his frenetic flying for political purposes. Says one critic: "But for the helicopter, he would not have been in such flying spirits on the eve of elections."<br><br>Little wonder then that allegations of misuse of official machinery are flying thick and fast. "By turning a blind eye to Badal's flying obsession, the EC is playing a partisan role," says Opposition leader and PCC chief Rajinder Kaur Bhattal. </p><p>In January 1997, she, as chief minister, was made to cough up the charges for using the official aircraft for a political visit to Delhi after the elections to the Punjab Assembly were announced. Clearly, she cannot stomach the idea of Badal getting away scot-free.<br><br>Badal's fanciful flights have meant even denial of the helicopter to the governor at least twice. "Should I go walking?" was Badal's remark recently when told about the requisition by Raj Bhavan. This, in spite of a Home Department memo saying that the governor is to get precedence over all other dignitaries in the use of the state government helicopter.<br><br>The high cost of hiring a helicopter has made the Punjab Government think of purchasing one. A move is afoot to float a global tender to buy a Rs 18 crore chopper. "Given its high use, it would be economical to own a chopper," says Ratra. Considering Badal's fondness for flying, he is sure to put it to optimum use. As long as he doesn't run into rough weather with the EC.<br></p><div id="tab-link-wrapper-plugin"><div class="authors__container"><div class="authors__by"><div class="authlable">Published By: </div><div class="authdetaisl">AtMigration </div></div><div class="published__on"><div class="authlable">Published On: </div><div class="authdetaisl">Jan 12, 1998</div></div></div><div class="sendros">--- ENDS ---</div></div></div>

Badal just loves flitting about in the state chopper, even if it means blowing public funds on political and personal trips. And never mind the EC's code of conduct.

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Parkash Singh Badal flouts EC rule, uses state chopper on political and personal trips

Badal just loves flitting about in the state chopper, even if it means blowing public funds on political and personal trips. And never mind the EC's code of conduct.

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