405 Air Purifiers Bought for Ministers, VVIP Lounges in 4 Years: Govt
In a recent revelation, the Indian government has disclosed that a substantial number of air purifiers have been procured for the use of ministers, VVIP lounges, and other high-ranking officials over the past four years. According to Housing and Urban Affairs Minister of State Tokhan Sahu, the Central Public Works Department (CPWD) has purchased a total of 405 air purifiers between 2021 and 2025. These air purifiers have been installed in various government offices, VVIP lounges, courtrooms, and even the chambers of Supreme Court judges.
The procurement of such a large number of air purifiers raises questions about the government’s priorities and the allocation of resources. While the average citizen struggles to breathe clean air, the government seems to be taking steps to ensure that its high-ranking officials can work and live in a healthy environment. The air purifiers, which range in price from ₹15,000 to ₹1.50 lakh per unit, were purchased through the government’s online procurement portal.
The move to purchase air purifiers for government offices and VVIP lounges is not entirely surprising, given the poor air quality in many parts of the country. However, it does highlight the stark contrast between the living conditions of the average citizen and those of the ruling elite. While the government is taking steps to provide clean air for its officials, many ordinary citizens are forced to breathe polluted air, which can have serious health consequences.
The procurement of air purifiers is also a testament to the growing concern about air pollution in India. The country has been struggling to tackle the problem of air pollution, which is estimated to cause millions of premature deaths every year. The government has launched several initiatives to address the issue, including the National Clean Air Programme, which aims to reduce particulate matter levels in cities by 20-30% by 2024.
However, despite these efforts, air pollution remains a major problem in many parts of the country. The capital city of Delhi, for example, is often ranked as one of the most polluted cities in the world, with air quality levels frequently exceeding safe limits. The situation is similar in other cities, including Mumbai, Kolkata, and Chennai, where air pollution is a major concern.
In this context, the procurement of air purifiers for government offices and VVIP lounges can be seen as a necessary measure to protect the health and well-being of officials and dignitaries. However, it also raises questions about the government’s commitment to addressing the broader issue of air pollution. While providing clean air for its officials is important, the government must also take steps to address the root causes of air pollution and ensure that all citizens have access to clean air.
The use of air purifiers is not a new phenomenon in India. Many households and offices have been using these devices for years to purify the air and reduce the risk of respiratory problems. However, the large-scale procurement of air purifiers by the government is a significant development, which highlights the growing concern about air pollution and the need for effective solutions.
The CPWD, which is responsible for the procurement and maintenance of government buildings, has been at the forefront of efforts to provide clean air for officials and dignitaries. The department has installed air purifiers in various government offices, including the Parliament building, the Supreme Court, and other key institutions. The air purifiers are designed to remove particulate matter, including PM2.5 and PM10, from the air, and provide a healthy environment for officials and staff.
The procurement of air purifiers is also a testament to the government’s commitment to providing a healthy and safe working environment for its officials. The government has a responsibility to ensure that its employees are able to work in a safe and healthy environment, and the provision of air purifiers is an important step in this direction.
In conclusion, the procurement of 405 air purifiers by the CPWD for government offices, VVIP lounges, and other key institutions is a significant development, which highlights the growing concern about air pollution in India. While the move is necessary to protect the health and well-being of officials and dignitaries, it also raises questions about the government’s commitment to addressing the broader issue of air pollution. The government must take steps to address the root causes of air pollution and ensure that all citizens have access to clean air.
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