GUWAHATI, June 18 ? The State Government today announced a series of austerity measures including a ban on purchase of vehicles, air conditioners and other gadgets. An official release said that with the exception of the Chief Secretary and the Director General of Police, only one vehicle would be allotted to the entitled officers irrespective of the number of posts and charges held by the concerned officers. All pool vehicles would be under the direct control of the head of departments, directors etc and log books would have to be maintained strictly. Only the Chief Secretary and the DGP will have pilot vehicles during tour and in case of security risk, only one escort vehicle will accompany the concerned officer. All vehicles, which are more than 10 years old, or unused and not road worthy are to be disposed off within three months. The POL and repair expenditure are to be curtailed by 10 per cent and 20 per cent respectively over the expenditures incurred last year, the release said.
The release said that there would be a ban on new telephone connections and the ISD facility would be available only to the Chief Secretary. The number of officers entitled to STD facility will be strictly monitored and there will be a ceiling of Rs 2,500 for STD connection and only in the case of a few departments, the limit will be Rs 5000 for office phones only. However, the Chief Secretary, Additional Chief Secretary (Home), DGP, Additional DGP (SB) and the IGP (SB) will be exempted from the limits. The release said that as a part of the austerity drive, a ban has been imposed on creation of new posts and the vacant posts will be filled up only with the approval of the State level empowered committee. A ban has also been imposed on fresh engagement as casual and muster roll workers.
The departments have been directed to affect a 10 per cent cut on TA expenditure and the approval of the Chief Minister would be required to travel outside the State. The private secretaries and personnel assistants will not be allowed to travel outside the State on Government expenditure. The drive also include 10 per cent cut on office contingency expenditure and office furniture, fixtures etc can be bought only with the approval of the Finance Department. The release said that the expenditure incurred on foundation lying and inauguration ceremonies except those of State and national importance is to be avoided.