SHILLONG: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma on Thursday refuted media reports that the government is planning to procure a helicopter for the state, citing the substantial cost and technical expertise associated with such an acquisition.
The Chief Minister’s denial comes after a media outlet published a report on the government’s plan to purchase a twin-engine helicopter to transport VIPs.
Issuing clarification on the report, CM Sangma said that this news is factually incorrect.
“Meghalaya has not floated any tender or shown any intention to purchase any helicopter as it is very expensive. “We will put out a tender for short-term lease, on a service basis only, and we will pay on an hourly basis.” Depending on the company concerned, this is the most effective way by which we can achieve the objective and also not have to bear too much financial burden,” the Chief Minister said.
He also justified the need for a dedicated helicopter for official and VIP movement, as the state currently uses helicopter services for tourists and civilian purposes.
“So, when the government is using helicopters, tourist services are affected. This is also being done because most of the time, the helicopters that are there are for tourists and the normal flights are for Shillong, Tura and Guwahati, they generally get disturbed when there is VIP movement.
So, whenever we require a helicopter, at least following a procedure, we will lease it and use the helicopter whenever we require,” he informed.
He further clarified that the helicopter will belong to the service provider, the pilot and fuel will also be theirs, and the state government will make payment only on hourly basis.
