Thiruvananthapuram: The state govt has decided not to renew its contract with Chipsan Aviation to hire a helicopter for govt use, the director general of prosecution informed Lok Ayukta on Tuesday.Govt told Lok Ayukta that chief minister V D Satheesan’s recent helicopter trip to Malappuram wasn’t for any personal purpose. The submissions were made in response to a petition filed by K M Shahjahan, challenging the use of the rented helicopter. Lok Ayukta adjourned the case to Nov 3.In a separate petition against the chief minister, Lok Ayukta dismissed the complaint. The helicopter arrangement had become a major political controversy during the previous LDF govt. Govt had initially entered into an agreement with Pawan Hans and later shifted to Chipsan Aviation. Under the existing arrangement, govt paid Rs 80 lakh a month for 25 hours of flying time, with an additional charge of Rs 90,000 for every hour beyond that. The monthly payment was payable irrespective of whether the helicopter was used or not.UDF had criticised the arrangement as an unnecessary expenditure. The issue assumed political significance after the change of govt when Satheesan, who had earlier criticised the arrangement, also used the hired helicopter.With the existing contract nearing expiry, the then state police chief had recommended renewingthe agreement.After the contract expired, Chipsan Aviation offered to provide helicopter services on an as-needed basis at Rs 4 lakh an hour, instead of the earlier monthly arrangement. Govt has now decided against renewing the contract.
