Rs 255 cr spent on PM’s flights abroad in 3 yrs

New Delhi, November 21

An expenditure of over Rs 255 crore was incurred on chartered flights during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's foreign engagements in the past three years, the Rajya Sabha was told on Thursday.

In a written reply, Minister of State for External Affairs V Muraleedharan said in 2016-17 Rs 76.27 crore was spent on chartered flights while in 2017-18 Rs 99.32 crore was spent. In 2018-19, Rs 79.91 crore was spent while the bill for 2019-20 has not been received, he said, adding in 2016-17, Rs 2,24,75,451 were incurred on hotline facilities while in 2017-18 the cost incurred for it was Rs 58,06,630.

On domestic engagements, he said, “As per the policy on use of IAF aircraft/helicopters by VVIPs and VIPs, the PM is entitled for free airlift in IAF aircraft and helicopters on official tours.” — PTI