The Tamil Nadu government has established strict financial caps for purchasing official vehicles for ministers and senior legislative functionaries. Under the updated regulations, the maximum vehicle purchase limit has been set at 26 lakh rupees for ministers, while other members of the legislative assembly are restricted to a 15 lakh rupee limit. These adjustments have been formally notified through a new gazette under amendments to the traveling allowance rules applicable to members of the Tamil Nadu legislative assembly. The notification clearly outlines vehicle procurement limits, acquisition procedures, ownership arrangements, and conditions for returning official transport.
Category-wise vehicle purchase limits
The higher purchase threshold of 26 lakh rupees applies not only to ministers but also to key assembly figures including the speaker, deputy speaker, leader of the opposition, and the government chief whip. Meanwhile, all other legislators are eligible to acquire vehicles priced up to 15 lakh rupees. The designated financial ceiling encompasses all costs associated with the purchase, including the ex-showroom price, applicable taxes, registration fees, and motor insurance premiums. This means all these expenses must be accommodated strictly within the prescribed monetary cap without any separate or additional disbursements.
Annual hikes and environmental standards
The official order incorporates a provision stipulating an annual increase of 5 percent in the vehicle purchase limit, allowing the permitted expenditure to scale incrementally over time. Furthermore, the revised rules mandate that every vehicle procured under this policy must strictly comply with BS-6 emission standards. According to the official notification, all such vehicle acquisitions must be processed through the central government's Government e-Marketplace portal to maintain transparency and standardized pricing.
Procurement processes and ownership structures
Administrative responsibilities regarding ownership and purchasing methods have been clearly delineated. Vehicles allotted to ministers will be purchased directly by the Tamil Nadu government in its own name. For the speaker, deputy speaker, leader of the opposition, chief whip, and other legislators, the procurement procedure will be handled through the legislative assembly secretariat. Ownership and continued use of these transport assets remain tied to the holders retaining their respective public offices, requiring them to return the vehicles upon the conclusion of their tenure, resignation, or disqualification.
Maintenance and allowance provisions
The revised regulations draw a distinct line between vehicle acquisition costs and routine operational expenses. For ordinary legislators, all costs related to vehicle maintenance, repairs, fuel, and drivers must be borne entirely out of their allocated travel allowances. The comprehensive framework detailing these financial eligibilities and administrative protocols was officially issued through a government order signed by Public Department Secretary E. Sundaravalli, bringing formal structure to transport provisioning for the state's elected representatives.
