People rescued by choppers in Uttarakhand will have to pay Rs 3, 100 per person, diktat BJP-led state government

Stranded? Think twice before rescued by choppers, at least if you are in Uttarakhand.

The Uttarakhand government costs Rs 3,100 to a life of a single person rescue by choppers in the state. In a shocking move, the Bjp-led state government has announced that it will be charging passengers for availing helicopter rides during rescue operations. The Uttarakhand Civil Aviation Development Authority (UCADA) issued a notification on Saturday to this effect, stating chopper rides will cost of Rs. 3,100 (including GST) per person. The price is for rescue operations in Pithoragarh for "normal passengers".

The orders have received a green signal from Uttarakhand Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat, that goes into immediate effect. It would be first time in the world a state government charges people in need of help for rescue operations.

However, It is unclear why the government has chosen to tax the regular citizen, as for many the cost would rule out relief efforts. Meanwhile, an RTI filed by activist Hemant Singh Goniyo has disclosed that the BJP government in the state has spent an upward of Rs 6 crore flying the Chief Minister and other VIPs around the state.

Till date, the CM Rawat has reportedly made 93 air trips, including 47 by the government issued aeroplane and 45 by the state-owned helicopter. As per RTI, during the BJP's tenure, the government has spent Rs 5.85 crore on various private service providers for arranging choppers for politicians including the Chief Minister, the Governor, cabinet ministers and other VIP guests to the state.