New Delhi: Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajn’s official vehicle Toyota Camry is set to be replaced by a new Jaguar XE Portfolio worth Rs 48.25 lakh.
XE Portfolio is manufactured by the British manufacturer Jaguar. The model was launched at the March 2014 Geneva Motor Show, with production beginning in April 2015.
The Speaker will now use white Jaguar XE Portfolio to travel to her office and for other works.
The luxury sedan was delivered at the Speaker’s official residence – 20, Akbar Road, in Delhi on Monday.
The Lok Sabha Secretariat cited security reasons behind its decision to replace Toyota Camry.
“Sanction of Competent Authority to incur an advance of Rs 48,25,661 for purchase of new car for the use of Speaker, Lok Sabha from AMP Motors Pvt Ltd. Necessary settlement will be made in due course after receiving the original invoice/bill for the purchase of new car,” states a note from the Secretariat.
The amount for the vehicle was sanctioned on May 23.
Indian Express quoted DK Bhalla, Secretary, Lok Sabha Secretariat, as saying that there were two options – BMW and Jaguar – suggested on the basis of their security manoeuvrability.
“We have opted for the cheapest option,” Bhalla said.
The Speaker is at equal standing with the Chief Justice of India, sixth after the President, Vice President, Prime Minister, Governors, and both former Presidents and deputy PM in terms of protocol.
