In a surprising turn of events, Shivraj Manaspure, Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) at Central Railway, finds himself transferred without clear reasons, raising eyebrows in the wake of an RTI query. The query, filed by social activist Ajay Bose, sought details on the expenditure for installing 'Modi Selfie Booths' at railway stations, specifically in five zones, including Central Railway.
The response to the RTI revealed that Central Railway had set up 20 permanent selfie booths at a cost of Rs 1.25 crore, alongside 32 temporary booths costing Rs 40 lakh. This disclosure shed light on the significant allocation of funds for the selfie booths associated with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Interestingly, Manaspure's transfer comes within seven months of assuming the role of Chief Public Relations Officer, a period when such transfers typically span two years. The lack of explicit reasons for the transfer adds an element of mystery and intensifies speculations regarding potential repercussions of the RTI revelations.
While the Central Railway zone is not the sole entity involved in the selfie booth controversy, Manaspure's transfer adds a layer of intrigue to the unfolding situation. The decision, made by the Mumbai headquarters of Central Railway, further stirs curiosity by not disclosing the new posting location for Manaspure. In the interim, Swapnil D Nila has assumed the responsibilities of the Chief Public Relations Officer.
As the controversy gains traction, questions linger about the transparency surrounding the allocation and utilization of funds for such initiatives, bringing the focus back to the larger debate on public spending and accountability in government projects.