JOIN USThese are a few of the austerity measures Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa has put in force for his cabinet colleagues and officers in the wake of floods in 15 districts of the state.
At a press conference on Friday, Yeddyurappa said austerity measures were a necessity to supplement the state government’s efforts to mobilise resources for rebuilding the flood-affected areas. The government departments had been asked to cut down non-Plan expenditure for 2009-10 by 10 per cent by practising austerity.
Ironically, the Finance department steered by the chief minister himself had issued austerity norms as early as November last. But, it remained on paper. Almost all the measures spelled out on Friday find mention in the November order.
The order to fly only economy class applies to all officers, including the chief secretary, additional chief secretary and those heading state-owned enterprises. The CM has also withdrawn the provision for principal secretaries to travel in executive class. These directions come into effect from Friday, October 16.
Yeddyurappa has asked the ministers and officers not to travel abroad unless it is mandatory for them to be present to sign memorandum of understanding with other countries. He has also put fresh recruitment and creation of new posts on hold. However, in special cases, the respective departments could send proposals to the Finance Department.
CM’s whip
* Ministers, officers may travel only economy class
* No holding meetings, workshops in Star hotels
* No creation of new posts
* No buying new vehicles
* Depts should non-Plan expenditure by 10%