Govt depts resort to austerity measures after CM’s directive

By Our Reporter

By Our Reporter

SHILLONG, May 20: PHE Minister Marcuise N. Marak on Wednesday said the Meghalaya government had begun implementing austerity measures following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeal to NDA-ruled states to reduce ex-penditure in view of the ongoing crisis in West Asia.

Marak said Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma has directed ministers and departments to follow austerity measures, in-cluding cutting down unnecessary expenditure.

The minister revealed that he had planned to lead a del-egation to the United Kingdom for studies related to climate change and soil and water conservation issues, but the visit was dropped following the austerity directive issued by the chief minister.

He said while the chief minister’s convoy involves mandatory security and protocol arrangements, including ambulances and escort vehicles, cabinet ministers generally have minimal convoy arrangements with only a pilot vehicle accompanying them.

Marak said all departments, including the PHED, have been instructed to reduce expenditure wherever possible.

He described the Prime Minister’s appeal as a positive step and called on people to avoid unnecessary consumption and spending.

Cabinet Minister Methodius Dkhar, however, said the state government has not held any discussion on adopting austerity measures.

He further mentioned that the government is yet to con-sider promoting work from home.