‘108’ ambulance not to have CM’s photo

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, September 25

Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh has ordered immediate steps to ensure that the CM’s photo is not carried on ‘108’ ambulances.

Then CM Parkash Singh Badal’s pictures on these vehicles had kicked up a row. It had led to a stand-off with the Centre in 2013, when the latter had threatened to stop a Rs 3.5 crore grant to the state over the issue.

The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) had rapped the state government for forgoing Central grants under the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) on account of its “refusal” to remove Badal’s photos.

In its 2015 report, the CAG had said Punjab missed out on a Rs 23.8-crore Central grant for the ambulances over three financial years due to its failure to follow the NRHM colour code.

Capt Amarinder today ordered a fresh notification on the matter. His photos have not been put on the vehicles after he took over the reins of the government.

An official spokesperson said the CM wanted that the ambulances adhered to the NRHM rules.