Haryana bans new cars, ACs for officers

 The Haryana government, as part of its austerity measures, on Thursday banned all its officers from purchasing luxury items and from flying business class.

“The Haryana government has completely banned the purchase of luxury items, especially air-conditioners, carpets, costly furniture, crockery, and also imposed a complete ban on domestic air travel in business class for any category of officers.

Purchase of new cars and vehicles, except as replacement, has also been banned,” a state government spokesman said here on Thursday.

The directions have been issued by the Haryana finance department to all heads of departments in the state.

The finance department has also directed all heads of departments to effect a mandatory five per cent cut in non-plan expenditure in domestic and foreign travel, publications, professional services, advertising and publicity, office and administrative expenses.

“A total ban has also been imposed on the upgradation of new posts. Creation of new posts would be allowed only under exceptional circumstances by the finance department.

Posts lying vacant for more than two years would be filled up only after the approval of the department. These measures would be continued till further orders,” the spokesman added.