Tamil Nadu Government Approves Car Purchase Limits for Ministers and Legislators

Chennai, October 22 (Daily Kiran) : The Tamil Nadu government has established a new maximum purchase limit for official vehicles. Ministers are now allowed to spend up to ₹26 lakh, while other legislators can purchase cars costing up to ₹15 lakh.

This decision was announced through a recent government gazette, which amends the travel allowance rules for members of the Tamil Nadu Assembly. The new notification clarifies the vehicle purchase limits, the buying process, ownership arrangements, and conditions for returning government vehicles.

In addition to ministers, the ₹26 lakh limit also applies to the Assembly Speaker, Deputy Speaker, Leader of the Opposition, and the Chief Whip. All other legislators will be eligible for vehicles priced up to ₹15 lakh.

The specified limits encompass the ex-showroom price, taxes, registration fees, and motor insurance premiums, meaning all related costs must remain within these thresholds without additional payments.

Furthermore, the order stipulates that the vehicle purchase limit will increase by 5% annually, allowing for adjustments in permissible spending over time.

Vehicles allocated to ministers will be purchased in the name of the Tamil Nadu government. For the Speaker, Deputy Speaker, Leader of the Opposition, Chief Whip, and other legislators, the vehicle acquisition will be handled through the Assembly Secretariat.

All vehicles purchased under the revised rules must comply with BS-6 emission standards. The notification states that purchases will be made through the central government’s Government e-Marketplace portal.

Ministers are required to return the allocated government vehicle upon leaving office, completing their term, or due to disqualification. Similar conditions apply to the Assembly Speaker and other eligible officials.

For regular legislators, expenses related to maintenance, repairs, fuel, and drivers must be covered by the vehicle allowance they receive. The revised rules differentiate between vehicle purchase costs and regular operational expenses. This government order was issued by E. Sundaravalli, Secretary of the Public Department.

The new framework clarifies the financial eligibility and administrative responsibilities for vehicle purchases among various categories of public representatives, linking vehicle use and ownership to the duration of their respective positions.