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The decision by the Rajasthan government to provide two vehicles to some of their ministers has drawn criticism from several quarters.

Around six months back, the government of Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje Scindia had allotted new cars to all its cabinet ministers but they were not serviced due to the hectic schedules and tours of the ministers.

It was then decided that the order restricting ministers from having two vehicles, that was clamped in 2000, be withdrawn. In a special meeting chaired by Motor Garage Minister Kanak Mal Katara recently, the issue of non-servicing of the ministers' vehicles was discussed.

"To solve the servicing problem of the vehicles, we have decided to give them (ministers) two vehicles. The previous Congress government had taken the facility back," Katara said.

Now two vehicles will be provided to 14 cabinet ministers, 12 state ministers and two parliamentary secretaries. Katara also gave the green signal to the recruitment of new drivers.

However, Rajathan residents and the opposition Congress have strongly criticised the move.

"A huge sum has already been spent on the new vehicles given to ministers a few months back. Servicing the vehicle hardly takes a day ... what's the need of giving them another vehicle? No minister or official remains on tour throughout the year," remarked Animesh Kapoor, an entrepreneur in Jaipur.

The Congress too has termed it a wasteful expenditure.

"There are 108 vehicles in the motor garage for which there are 208 drivers. When a car goes for servicing, another can be sought from the garage. Why should public money be wasted in such a manner?" questioned KC Chaudhary, a senior Congress leader.