Finance minister Thomas Isaac after presenting Budget for 2018-19. Photo: Manoj ChemancheriThiruvananthapuram: Finance minister T M Thomas Isaac on Friday announced several measures in his Budget to tighten government spending, citing the state’s weak finances.
Foreign tours of officials will now be allowed only when they are unavoidable, while there will be restrictions on the government purchasing vehicles costing more than Rs 14 lakh. Isaac also advised various departments to reduce their land phone bills and opt for cheaper mobile tariff plans.
Key cost-cutting measures
• New positions will be created only after studies. Most staff requirements can be met through transfers within departments.
• Approval for new grant-in-aid institutions only after strict scrutiny.
• Hiring vehicles costs a third less than buying. Only the heads of departments, police and other law-enforcement agencies, chairpersons of local bodies and the chiefs of grant-in-aid institutions will be allowed to purchase vehicles.
• Will discourage purchase of cars costing more than Rs 14 lakh.
• Will make a register of vehicles under each department and reduce the number of vehicles every year.
• Will reduce travel expenses. Foreign tours will be allowed only if unavoidable. Videoconferencing facilities should be fully utilized
• Departments should reduce usage of land lines and shift to cheaper mobile packages. Mobile bills up to Rs 440 will be reimbursed automatically. For higher amounts, the bills must be produced.
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