Govt hikes phone allowance budget for CM, ministers; AAP slams initiative

The Delhi government has revised its policy on mobile handset allowances, significantly increasing the sanctioned amount for its top office bearers.

- ASHISH SRIVASTAVA @ New Delhi

According to a directive issued by the General Administration Department (GAD) on July 9, the chief minister can now purchase a mobile handset worth up to ₹1.5 lakh, while cabinet ministers will be allowed to spend up to ₹1.25 lakh.

This marks a threefold increase from the earlier provision under a 2013 order, which had capped the maximum cost of mobile phones at ₹50,000 for the chief minister and ₹45,000 for the other ministers.

The directive comes after the recent controversy over the extravagant renovation of a bungalow for the CM. The proposal triggered backlash from opposition parties and was eventually withdrawn.