Rajya Sabha MP writes to Railways Minister over avoiding exuberant expenditure on PM’s selfie points
The Hindu
Member of Parliament from Rajya Sabha Dr. V. Sivadasan requested urgent intervention from Ministry of Railways so that wastage of money for partisan political propaganda is avoided.
Expressing dismay over the fact that the Central Railway spent nearly ₹1.62 crore on installing selfie photo booths with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s cut out image, Member of Parliament from Rajya Sabha Dr. V. Sivadasan wrote a letter to Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw.
Dr. Sivadasan requested urgent intervention from Ministry of Railways so that wastage of money for partisan political propaganda is avoided.
The Hindu reported on December 27 that Central Bureau of Communication under Ministry of Information and Broadcasting had approved L1 contract rates for installing temporary selfie booths at ₹1.25 lakh per installation and ₹6.25 lakh for every permanent installation, to be installed at railway stations.
“At the time when the railway is unable to provide even basic travelling facilities to all those who commute, this extravaganza seems to be a misplaced priority,” Mr. Sivadasan wrote in the letter.
The letter further states, “Reducing our public sector institutions to the status of instruments and platforms of political propaganda for the promotion of partisan political interests, is an extremely unfortunate development.”
“Such promotion should not be at the cost of public exchequer and the money should be wisely spent on essential facilities at our railway stations being used by millions of common people,” the letter says.
Former higher education minister C. N. Ashwath Narayana, who wanted to initiate a debate on the government’s move on closure of universities, and said closure of universities would lead to denial of opportunities for students to undertake higher studies.
Watch ‘Mayabazar’, ‘Aditya 369’, ‘Kshana Kshanam’ and other Telugu films at Red Lorry Film Festival in Hyderabad
Tamil Nadu budget 2025: Tamil Nadu government submits Chennai Metro Rail DPRs to Union government for equity contribution, plans for future projects.
Since the use of pesticides for whitefly control is not very effective, awareness among farmers is being created.
Discover the elusive nightjar and vibrant birding community in Ernakulam, Kerala, through unique birding experiences and conservation efforts.
Electricity, Prohibition, and Excise Minister V. Senthilbalaji said he would face the allegations from the Enforcement Directorate (ED) legally, adding that the agency’s complaint regarding irregularities in Tasmac was made with “ulterior motives” and without any evidence.
House Beneath a Jackfruit Tree in Kerala features interconnected spaces, jaali work
Madras High Court dismisses criminal revision petition of Papanasam MLA Jawahirullah in foreign funds receipt case.
Former CM B.S. Yediyurappa had challenged the first information report registered on March 14, 2024, on the alleged incident that occurred on February 2, 2024, the chargesheet filed by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), and the February 28, 2025, order of taking cognisance of offences afresh by the trial court.
LunARC on board Firefly Aerospace’s Blue Ghost Mission 1 flies to the moon with 30,000 digital artworks
KPCC president criticizes LDF government in Kerala for inaction against drug menace, accusing complicity in narcotics trade.
Tamil Nadu Finance Minister Thangam Thennarasu on Friday (March 14, 2025) announced that the registration fee for all immovable assets, including houses, plots, and agricultural lands, valued up to ₹10 lakh, will be reduced by 1% when registered in the name of women.
Speeding truck crashes into level-crossing gate, gets hit by train in Maharashtra; no injuries, 6-hour service disruption.