Southern States - Tamil Nadu   

Govt. nod for MLAs' upcountry jaunts

By Our Special Correspondent

Chennai Dec. 22. Curbs on upcountry jaunts by MLAs at State's expense has been partially eased, despite the financial crisis faced by the State Government. And the Legislative committees are hit by travel bug once again.

The Public Accounts Committee comprising 18 members has already set off on a 10-day trip to Delhi, Agra, Amritsar and Bombay. Not for a picnic. But, only to learn about the functioning of their counterparts in those States, a few MLAs insist.

Shimla was initially included in the itinerary, but dropped in the last-minute, as MLAs were not game for shivering cold climate.

As for the Public Undertakings Committee, also consisting 18 members will visit Orissa (of course, includes a trip to Konark temple), Delhi and Jaipur. During their 11-day trip, the legislators would ``study'' the functioning of public sector units in other States.

The Estimates Committee has also been given government clearance for the trip. But, the travel plans are yet to be finalised.

In all, the trips are expected to cost the government about Rs.5 lakhs for each committee.

In an attempt to cut down expenditure, the Government had banned all upcountry trips of legislative committees last year. But, several MLAs petitioned the Chief Minister to lift the ban, prompting her to give approval to the financial committees for undertaking the trip. The other nine legislative committees may have to wait a little longer for their chance.

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