Mayor, his deputy's car usage bill: Rs36 lakh

DNA: Mumbai: Friday, 06 February 2015.

The mayor and the deputy mayor have come under scanner of the Congress party for 'excessive' expenses on their official cars. Congress corporator Sheetal Mhatre has received a reply through Right To Information (RTI) which states that bills of the first citizens' car usage cross Rs36 lakh annually.

Mhatre said that the mayor has three drivers and their salaries put together crosses Rs1 lakh each month (Rs1, 00782). This means their annual salary is around Rs12,09384. The total amount of overtime earnings by these drivers is around Rs13 lakh and the fuel expenses for his vehicle is nearly Rs2.80 lakh.

"While the mayor should set an example of simplicity, all the mayors have ensured that they get the latest brands and the vehicles are at their disposal at all the time," said Mhatre.

She added that the deputy mayor's driver also earns around Rs35,000-40,000 per month and gets overtime reimbursements up to Rs6.50 lakh. Hence, car expenses reach up to Rs10 lakh. "This is no small amount either," Mhatre said, adding: "I must mention the preferences of these leaders. Standing committee chairman Rahul Shewale changed several vehicles in his tenure. Even Sunil Prabhu demanded the latest brand of car. New mayor Snehal Ambekar also made fuss over not only the vehicle but also the colour of the beacon used on it."

"These posts are for the public service. The leaders are not spending from their own pocket but are using tax-payers' money. I will start a campaign against such misuse," she said.