In a surprising administrative development that has raised eyebrows, the Chandigarh UT Guest House has officially placed two of its vehicles at the disposal of Punjab Raj Bhawan, creating an unusual inter-governmental arrangement where public funds are covering the transportation costs of another state's constitutional authority.
Vehicles and Their Exclusive Assignment
The arrangement involves two specific vehicles from the UT Guest House fleet that have been designated for exclusive use by Punjab's Raj Bhawan. What makes this partnership particularly noteworthy is that while the vehicles serve Punjab's constitutional establishment, their complete maintenance and operational costs are being borne by Chandigarh administration funds—essentially meaning taxpayers are footing the bill for another state's transportation needs.
The Financial Burden on Chandigarh
Documents and official communications reveal that the UT Guest House continues to manage all expenses related to these vehicles, including:
- Regular maintenance and servicing costs
- Fuel and operational expenses
- Insurance and registration fees
- Driver salaries and related expenditures
This financial arrangement represents a significant departure from standard inter-governmental protocols where such services are typically accounted for through formal agreements or reciprocal arrangements.
Administrative Implications and Questions
The unique vehicle-sharing arrangement between the UT Guest House and Punjab Raj Bhawan raises several important questions about administrative boundaries and financial accountability. While the practical benefits for Punjab Raj Bhawan are clear—access to vehicles without the associated maintenance burden—the rationale behind Chandigarh administration absorbing these costs remains less transparent.
This situation highlights the complex nature of inter-governmental relationships in the region and prompts discussion about the proper protocols for resource sharing between different governmental entities, especially when public funds are involved.
The arrangement continues to operate under the current terms, representing an ongoing financial commitment from Chandigarh's administration to support Punjab's constitutional functions in a manner that breaks from conventional administrative practices.
