Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 17 March 2025
Hindu Rashtra Shakti (Andaman Unit) has submitted a letter to the Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor, urging the installation of GPS tracking devices in government-owned and hired vehicles to curb their alleged misuse by officials and their families.
In a formal letter addressed to the Lt Governor, the organisation’s State President, Rakeshwar Lall, highlighted concerns over the unauthorised use of government vehicles by officials for personal errands. The letter emphasised that vehicles belonging to various departments, including Social Welfare, Agriculture, Fisheries, Education, and the Secretariat, are frequently seen being used for personal purposes, such as ferrying children to schools and private tuition centres.
Despite the existence of the Andaman and Nicobar Vigilance Department, the effective monitoring and control of such misuse remain inadequate. To address this issue, Hindu Rashtra Shakti has proposed a set of measures:
1. Installation of GPS Devices – Government and Government hired vehicles should be equipped with GPS trackers for real-time monitoring, ensuring that they are used strictly for official purposes.
2. Maintenance of Travel Logs – Departments should maintain detailed logs of trips, including destinations, duration, and purpose. Prior approval should be mandated for non-routine trips.
3. Data Retention for Audits – GPS tracking and travel logs should be stored securely for at least three months to facilitate audits and investigations.
4. Strict Penalties for Violations – Officials found misusing vehicles should face disciplinary action, including cost recovery measures.
The letter argues that implementing these measures will enhance transparency, prevent resource wastage, and restore public trust in the administration. It calls upon the Lt Governor to take immediate action to enforce stricter regulations on the use of government vehicles.
Copies of the letter have also been forwarded to the Chief Secretary and the Director General of Police for necessary action, as well as to all print media outlets to raise awareness about the issue.