Reported by Avik Chakraborty
Dibrugarh: While Prime Minister Narendra Modi continues to urge citizens to conserve fuel and reduce unnecessary expenditure, allegations emerging from Assam’s Oil India Limited have raised concerns over possible misuse of official resources, which some have described as a mockery of the government’s austerity drive.
A section of OIL officials has reportedly used official company vehicles for private errands, family outings, school trips, airport travel, and other non-official activities, raising questions about the use of public resources.
Sources allege that the misuse has become so frequent that OIL vehicles can now be routinely spotted outside schools every morning, ferrying officials’ children, despite the company already providing school bus services through Delhi Public School (DPS) management for officers and employees.
Instead of availing themselves of the designated school buses, several officials allegedly prefer to use official vehicles with drivers for dropping and picking up their children.
Residents claim the practice has become a daily concern for the public sector giant.
The controversy deepens further with allegations regarding fuel allowances. According to sources, OIL already provides separate fuel allowances to officials for commuting between home and office using their personal vehicles.
However, many officials allegedly continue to receive the allowance while simultaneously travelling in official company vehicles, effectively drawing double benefits from the company.
“This is nothing short of looting public resources,” alleged a local observer, expressing anger over the alleged misuse of government assets.
Serious concerns have also been raised over the alleged use of OIL vehicles for airport and railway station trips by officials and their family members. OIL reportedly operates dedicated transport facilities for airport travel, yet several officials continue to use official vehicles for such trips.
The alleged misuse of vehicles meant for operational and developmental purposes has triggered concern among citizens and employees alike.
Critics argue that while ordinary people struggle under rising fuel prices, a section within one of India’s richest public sector undertakings appears to be enjoying privileges at company expense.
The growing outrage has now raised questions over whether the top management of OIL is aware of the reported misuse or if there is administrative oversight. Questions have also been raised over why no strict action has been taken despite repeated complaints.
As allegations continue to emerge, attention is now on OIL management to see whether it will initiate an inquiry, address concerns over the use of public resources, and take appropriate action, or allow the controversy to continue.