INDIA. Mumbai: While the recession was a talking point during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Maharashtra Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government spent over Rs 60 crore on renovations and other activities at Raj Bhavan, the Maharashtra Governor’s official residence in Walkeshar, South Mumbai.
In response to Anil Galgali’s RTI request, the Maharashtra government stated that more than Rs 60 crore was spent on various types of works in Raj Bhavan. In the last two years, expenditure has increased by Rs. 18 crores when compared to 2019.
In any case, the state government has been giving the Raj Bhavan a large sum of money every year. This is despite Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari and MVA leaders having been at odds on various issues since the MVA government took over the state in November 2019.
According to the General Administration Department, the amount spent on Raj Bhavan has increased dramatically in the last two years.
A total of Rs. 13,97,23,000 has been set aside in the budget estimate for 2017-18. The Raj Bhavan office spent Rs. 12,49,72,000 on this.
The provision for 2018-2019 was Rs 15,84,56,000. The amount spent was Rs 13,71,77,000. In the year 2019-20, the amount of Rs 19,92,86,000 (more than the provision of Rs.19,86,62,000) was disbursed, of which Rs.17,63,60,000 were spent.
In 2020-21, Rs 29,50,92,000 (actual provision was Rs. 29,68,19,000) were disbursed, of which Rs 25,92,36,000 were spent. In 2021-22 the provision was of Rs 31,23,66,000. But the government actually disbursed Rs. 31,38,66,000. Of this Raj Bhavan office spent Rs 27,38,56,000.
The government has been more generous to the governor’s office since the MVA government led by Uddhav Thackery came to power. Only Rs 60,89,58,000 was disbursed in the last two years, with Rs 53,30,92,000 spent. The Raj Bhavan’s expenditure has increased by Rs 18 crore in the last two years.
According to Galgali, the Raj Bhavan office should make information about the increased expenditure public and audit all expenses before posting them on its website. He has also written letters to Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari, Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar.
When contacted, Raj Bhavan officials confirmed that renovations had taken place and that the Darbar Hall had been rebuilt. In addition, Raj Bhavan has hosted numerous social events in the recent past.
The Raj Bhavan is also open to visitors on certain days, and a special viewing gallery has been set up for them. There is also a bunker museum, an underground shelter to offer visitors a glimpse into Indian history.
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