GUWAHATI: The Assam government on Wednesday, May 13, announced a series of austerity measures in response to the ongoing crisis in West Asia, following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeal for restraint and prudent expenditure.
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The decisions were taken during the first Cabinet meeting of the new government led by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma after assuming office for a second term.
As part of the measures, the government said no new vehicles will be purchased for official use over the next six months. Ministers, government officers and employees will also be barred from undertaking foreign visits during the period even at their own cost, except in cases related to medical treatment.
The Cabinet further decided to reduce the size of convoys used by ministers and officials and cut diesel and petrol expenditure by 20 per cent during the current financial year.
In another key decision, the state government said it would refrain from procuring foreign goods during this period and encourage maximum use of video conferencing for official meetings and administrative work in a bid to reduce expenses.