Convert govt vehicles into urges Gadkari

Convert govt vehicles into urges Gadkari
EXPRESS NEWS SERVICE

MUMBAI, MARCH 28: The leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council Nitin Gadkari has demanded that Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh should take the initiative and ensure that all government vehicles in Maharashtra are converted into CNG-powered ones, `as it will be more cost-effective and eco-friendly.

According to Gadkari, such a step by the government will serve as an inspiration for the people. He also requested the government to establish more CNG filling stations to ensure that there is regular and steady supply of CNG cylinders.

Initiating a debate on the 2001-2002 state Budget, Gadkari also demanded a white paper on the transfers of all government officials effected by the 17-month old Democratic Front government. Taking the government to task on "a budget that is putting back the wheels of development", the leader stated that myopic policies of the government is hurtling Maharashtra towards further severe financial problems. "If the Shiv Sena-BJP government had made the state bankrupt, why are you adding to it by taking new loans? It is your own policies that has made the state bankrupt. By screaming hoarse about it this government has ensured that development loans to the state will stop as there is serious doubt about the repaying capacity," he said.

Cautioning the ministers against succumbing to the advice given by bureaucrats of their departments, Gadkari opined that bureaucrats are responsible for the downfall of any minister. "All you ministers are extremely dependent on your bureaucrats. If you want to progress and show your capability do the opposite of what the bureaucrat tells you. I say this from experience. I did the opposite of everything they said and I could do something for the state," Gadkari informed the Upper House.