India, May 14 -- A proposal approved by the standing committee of the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) to grant a monthly fuel allowance of Rs.50,000 to office-bearers and senior officials has sparked criticism over the civic body's spending priorities at a time when Prime Minister Narendra Modi has appealed for fuel conservation and reduction in unnecessary travel.

The proposal, approved by the standing committee on March 1, has now been placed before the general body for final approval at its meeting scheduled on May 15.

Critics argued that a monthly fuel allowance of Rs.50,000 would cover nearly 450 to 500 litres of fuel. Based on average vehicle mileage, this could translate into travel of around 9,000 to 10,000 kilomet...