COVID-19: Tripura announces austerity measures to reduce expenditure
The decision was taken at a meeting of the council ofministers held at the state secretariat here, according to astatement issued on Saturday.
"All government office expenses and other contingentbudget expenditure would have to be reduced by a minimum of 15percent," it said.
All departments were also asked to make "optimumutilisation" of contingent budgets of different centrally-sponsored welfare schemes so that no pressure comes on thestate government.
In an effort to cut down regular expenses ingovernment offices and other facilities, employees were askedto focus on e-mail communication to avoid use of paper.
"All departments, PSUs, autonomous organisations andcooperative societies were strictly instructed to reduce powerand telephone bills by 10 percent," the statement said.
The cabinet has observed that the 15th FinanceCommission had expressed concern over per capita expenditurein terms of salary, pension and interest rates of few statesincluding Tripura.
An approval from the Chief Minister's Office will berequired from now on for organising any fair, exhibition andpublic event.
"No government fund can be used for land acquisitionany more till the economic situation improves. The stategovernment would heavily depend on e-markets for itspurchases," it added.
As additional measures, use of air conditioners ingovernment offices would be allowed only after permission fromthe State Economy Board.
The board was also asked to assess and regulate use oftelevision, cable connections in offices.