SWADESHI Jagran Manch (SJM) expressed deep shock over the report that Rashtrapati Bhawan is going to purchase Mercedes Benz S600L ‘Pullman’ limousine for the use of newly elected President Shri Pranab Mukherjee.
“It is most shocking that the Rashtrapati Bhawan has no faith in indigenous technology and brands at a time when fairly good quality cars are being manufactured in India. Having elected to the Presidential post Shri Mukherjee will now change his mode of transport to Mercedes Benz S600L ‘Pullman’ limousine estimated to cost Rs 6 crore. In spite of his being an economist and having been the Finance Minister of the country in recent past, he is well aware that most of the economic evils are emanating out of unabated trade and current account deficits, resulting into worst ever fall of Indian rupee in last 65 years. Yet he is going for a foreign car costing Rs. 6 crore which would further worsen the deficits, ultimately leading to further fall of rupee, and also set a wrong trend for others in high positions. The cost of new car is more than 1,34,000 times the monthly per capita income of Rs 447 fixed for deciding the poverty line. It may also send wrong signals to the importing countries of Indian automobile products and our image of producing world class cars will also get a big blow due to this decision of Rashtrapati Bhawan,” said Dr Ashwani Mahajan, spokesperson of SJM in a statement. (FOC)
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