Raipur. During the Question Hour in the Assembly, Pandaria MLA Bhavna Bohra demanded an inquiry into the Public Relations Department, accusing them of disturbing the amount allotted for advertising.
On the question asked by MLA Bohra to the Minister of Public Relations Department, the government informed that the department has 243 digital news portal imports, but no National News Portal has been improved. In the financial year 2023-24, ₹ 67.16 crore on 3179 Digital Portal Advertisement, ₹ 147.36 crore on 12,881 newspaper advertisement, ₹ 140.93 crore on 901 TV channel advertisement and ₹ 5.29 crore on 187 radio ads, thus a total of 360 crores was spent. While only 134 crores have been spent in 2024-25.
In the context of this figure, Bhavna Bohra said that there is a difference of almost twice the amount in the expenditure amount. What is the reason for this and if there is any discrepancy, will it be investigated? Then Minister Shyam Bihari Jaiswal argued that this year’s figure is till January, February-March figures will also increase. Then Bhavna said that when even half of the previous level is not spent in 10 months, then how is it possible in the next two months that the figure of the last time will touch. Bhavna said that these are probably the figures of the previous government. Will we get so much expense checked in advertisements?
Rigging in hoarding advertisement
In the context of the complaint received in this regard, Bhavna Bohra said that despite the three -month advertisement contract for hoardings last time, he was removed in a month and the entire three months was paid. The possibility of disturbances in this is strengthened by the fact that compared to this year, advertisements were doubly spent in the last year. Will we get it investigated? On this, the minister said that if you have any specific information, then the test will be done. Then Bhavna Bohra said that he has all the documents, will he conduct an inquiry, then the Minister Jaiswal kept avoiding saying the investigation and Bhavna kept asking him. Finally, Chairman Dr. Raman Singh had to say that the minister is saying that if there is a document, make it available, he will conduct an inquiry.
Tribal land sale case
MLA Bhavna Bohra raised questions related to the land sales permission of Scheduled Tribes in Kabirdham district. Revenue Minister Tank Ram Verma said in the written reply that a total of 118 applications were received from 2021-22 to 2024-25, out of which only 16 were allowed. At the same time, no land has been sold without the permission of the court.
Question on electric vehicle subsidy
Bhavna Bohra questioned the subsidy status being given on electric vehicles. According to the government, a subsidy of 10% or ₹ 1.50 lakh (whichever is less) is being given under Chhattisgarh State Electric Vehicle Policy 2022. So far 28,248 beneficiaries have been received, while around 45,000 vehicles are pending for subsidy payment. A proposal has been sent to the Finance Department for the budget provision, but the time limit cannot be decided.