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28 Dec 2025·Source: The Hindu
2 min
Polity & GovernancePolity & GovernanceNEWS

Chhattisgarh Government Aircraft Use by Preacher Sparks Controversy

Preacher's use of Chhattisgarh government aircraft sparks controversy, raising questions about public resource use.

Chhattisgarh Government Aircraft Use by Preacher Sparks Controversy

Photo by Brett Jordan

A controversy has erupted in Chhattisgarh after a preacher was seen using a state government aircraft to travel from Raipur to Jagdalpur. The incident has drawn criticism from the opposition, who questioned the propriety of using public resources for private individuals, especially religious figures.

The government clarified that the aircraft was used for a 'religious and social' event, and the preacher was invited by the state. This event highlights crucial aspects of ethics in governance, the appropriate use of public funds and assets, and the separation of state and religion, all vital for maintaining public trust and accountability.

Key Facts

1.

Preacher used Chhattisgarh government aircraft.

2.

Travelled from Raipur to Jagdalpur.

3.

Opposition criticized the use of public resources.

4.

Government clarified it was for a 'religious and social' event.

UPSC Exam Angles

1.

Constitutional provisions related to secularism and religious freedom (Articles 25-28)

2.

Ethics in governance: Probity, integrity, impartiality, and accountability (GS-IV)

3.

Appropriate use of public funds and assets (GS-II, GS-IV)

4.

Role of the state in promoting or patronizing religious activities

5.

Checks and balances on executive discretion and public expenditure

Visual Insights

Chhattisgarh: Route of Controversy - Government Aircraft Use

This map illustrates the geographical context of the controversy, showing the state of Chhattisgarh and the travel route of the preacher from Raipur (state capital) to Jagdalpur using a state government aircraft. It highlights the specific locations involved in the debate over the appropriate use of public assets.

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📍Raipur📍Jagdalpur
More Information

Background

The use of state resources, particularly government aircraft, for private or religious purposes has historically been a contentious issue in India. Such incidents often spark debates about the separation of state and religion, ethical governance, and the appropriate use of public funds. Past controversies have involved political leaders, religious figures, and even private individuals using state assets, leading to calls for greater transparency and accountability.

Latest Developments

A recent incident in Chhattisgarh involved a preacher using a state government aircraft for travel, ostensibly for a 'religious and social' event. The opposition criticized this as an improper use of public resources for private individuals, especially religious figures, raising questions about public trust and accountability. The government's justification highlights the fine line between state support for cultural/social events and potential violations of secular principles.

Practice Questions (MCQs)

1. Consider the following statements regarding the principle of secularism in India and the use of public funds: 1. The Indian Constitution explicitly prohibits the state from providing financial support to any religious institution or activity. 2. Article 27 of the Constitution prevents the state from compelling any person to pay taxes for the promotion or maintenance of any particular religion. 3. The Supreme Court of India has interpreted India's secularism as 'positive secularism', allowing the state to intervene in religious matters to ensure equality among religions. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  • A.1 and 2 only
  • B.2 and 3 only
  • C.1 and 3 only
  • D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer

Answer: B

Statement 1 is incorrect. The Indian Constitution does not explicitly prohibit the state from providing financial support to religious institutions or activities in all circumstances, especially if it's for general welfare, cultural preservation, or for all religions equally. However, Article 27 specifically prohibits using tax proceeds for the promotion of *any particular religion*. Statement 2 is correct, as per Article 27. Statement 3 is correct. The Indian model of secularism, often termed 'positive secularism', implies that the state maintains a principled distance from all religions and can intervene to ensure equality and social reform, unlike the Western model of strict separation.

2. In the context of ethical governance and the use of public resources, which of the following principles is/are most relevant to ensuring accountability and probity? 1. Impartiality and non-partisanship 2. Objectivity and transparency 3. Utilitarianism in public expenditure 4. Separation of powers Select the correct answer using the code given below:

  • A.1 and 2 only
  • B.1, 2 and 3 only
  • C.1, 2 and 4 only
  • D.1, 2, 3 and 4
Show Answer

Answer: C

Impartiality, non-partisanship, objectivity, and transparency are core principles of ethical governance and directly contribute to accountability and probity in the use of public resources. Separation of powers (Statement 4) is a fundamental constitutional principle that ensures checks and balances, thereby indirectly contributing to accountability by preventing concentration of power and potential misuse. Utilitarianism (Statement 3), while an ethical theory, is not a direct principle of governance in the same way as the others. While public expenditure aims for the greatest good, 'utilitarianism' as a standalone principle for ensuring probity in resource use is less direct than the others which are direct tenets of good governance and public service ethics.

3. Which of the following statements is NOT correct regarding the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India's role concerning government expenditure? A) The CAG audits all expenditures of the Central and State Governments from the Consolidated Fund of India and of each State. B) The CAG's audit reports are submitted to the President, who causes them to be laid before each House of Parliament. C) The CAG has the power to disallow any expenditure found to be irregular or improper and can impose penalties on officials. D) The CAG acts as a guide, friend, and philosopher to the Public Accounts Committee of the Parliament.

  • A.The CAG audits all expenditures of the Central and State Governments from the Consolidated Fund of India and of each State.
  • B.The CAG's audit reports are submitted to the President, who causes them to be laid before each House of Parliament.
  • C.The CAG has the power to disallow any expenditure found to be irregular or improper and can impose penalties on officials.
  • D.The CAG acts as a guide, friend, and philosopher to the Public Accounts Committee of the Parliament.
Show Answer

Answer: C

Statement C is NOT correct. The CAG's role is primarily an auditing and reporting function. While the CAG points out irregularities and improprieties in expenditure, it does not have the power to disallow expenditure or impose penalties on officials. These actions are typically taken by the executive or legislature based on the CAG's reports. Statements A, B, and D correctly describe the functions and role of the CAG.

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