165-days-abroad: PM Modi's foreign trips cost Rs. 355 cr
Since he took office in 2014, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's foreign trips cost Rs. 355 crore, an RTI reply revealed. PM Modi visited over 50 countries and made 41 trips. He spent 165 days abroad, the reply said. RTI activist Bhimappa Gadad, who sought the reply, said he was curious to know about PM's much-talked-about foreign trips. Here are the finer details.
Despite strained relationships, China is PM Modi's preferred destination
China seems to be Modi's favorite destination, he visited the neighboring country six times in total, and twice this year. Modi's tri-nation visit to France, Germany and Canada between April 9 and 15, made the deepest hole in state's coffers. The cost was Rs. 31. 25 cr. The least expensive trip was to Bhutan on June 15-16, 2014. The visit cost Rs. 2.45 cr.
Criticism of PM Modi's foreign trips prompted RTI inquiry
Gadad said he filed RTI to know the amount spent by Karnataka CMs on visits, a few years ago. Now, the idea of filing RTI about PM Modi's foreign trips struck him after he read articles criticizing him. "I was really shocked to know the details," he said. However, Gadad was disappointed when details of PM's domestic travels weren't shared with him.
Details of PM Modi's domestic trips weren't shared, citing security
"They have not furnished details of domestic visits and expenses for security provided during the visits. I just asked for the expenses, but they refused, saying the SPG security organization, which takes care of PM security, is exempted from the purview of RTI," Gadad said.
Meanwhile, another report highlights Modi's domestic trips
Meanwhile, another report in Asia Times suggested PM Modi spent 313 days on domestic travel. He spent the most time, 53 days, in Uttar Pradesh and 49 days in Gujarat. However, he hasn't visited Andaman and Nicobar Islands even once. Most of PM's visits have been laced with 20-30 minutes long speeches and inauguration of construction works like dams and toilets.
While PM Modi travels, people line up for appointments
Reportedly, the numerous trips of PM hit India's policies. "The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) is virtually down to one man, the prime minister," a senior bureaucrat in Delhi said. He revealed all decisions, even those related to Home or Foreign Ministry, are taken by PM. In his absence, people have to wait for appointments and 'key-bodies function without a head'.
