Assam govt spent Rs 2.37 crore for Priyanka Chopra's visit

Assam government has spent Rs 2.37 crore on a single visit of the state tourism department's brand ambassador, actress Priyanka Chopra, though her remuneration has not been fixed on annual basis, the Assembly was informed today.
Replying to a written question by AIUDF MLA Mamun Imdadul Haque Chawdhury, Tourism Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said that Chopra has been roped in as brand ambassador for two years and her remuneration was not fixed on yearly basis.
Chopra signed the agreement for becoming brand ambassador of Assam Tourism last year and visited the state in her new avatar for once on December 24, 2016.

On the money spent till now directly or indirectly in relation to Chopra, Sarma said that a total of Rs 2,37,45,520 have been released by the government on various expenses.
Out of this, Rs 1.61 crore was paid to "Purple Pebble Entertainment Co Pvt Ltd for signing agreement with Assam Tourism Development Corporation for promotion of tourism campaign in Assam", he said in the written reply.
Another Rs 22,70,250 was spent on "team Priyanka Chopra" which arrived in Assam on December 24 last year.

The government paid Rs 11,91,688 for air fare/other expenses for Brand Ambassador for promotion of tourism, while a similar amount was spent on the same head for "delegates of Brand Ambassador (final payment)".

Another Rs 9,94,325 was paid in two instalments to Pushpak Travels as air fare for "team Priyanka Chopra" and the guests attending the function on December 24, the minister said in the document submitted in the House.
The state government also paid Rs 9,88,832 for hotel charge and hospitality expenditure for Chopra and her team.
There were some other expenses as well.
Sarma said that the exact amount that the state government would spend on promotional campaign with Chopra would be finalised by May 15 this year after the tender process was completed.
Till now, her photos are published in in-flight magazines to promote Assam Tourism and work was on to make a TV commercial with the famous film actress, he said.