The Assam government has introduced a series of austerity measures to ensure fiscal prudence in the wake of the West Asia crisis. The measures include slashing fuel expenditure by 20% and downsizing the convoy size of all ministers.
The government has set a target to cut 10% in revenue and establishment expenditure, excluding salaries, pensions, debt repayment, and charged spendings. To achieve these targets, the convoy size of the chief minister, other ministers, and senior officials will be reduced without compromising the prescribed security protocol.
The government has also promoted the use of electric vehicles and public transport, carpooling, and EV usage. Official or private foreign visits by ministers and government officials will remain deferred for the next six months, except where such visits are necessitated by national or strategic interests, educational or medical purposes, or visits to immediate family members residing abroad.
The government has also banned the purchase of new vehicles for the next six months and asked to minimize official vehicle movement within the state and restricted non-essential travel within or outside the state. Large gatherings or physical meetings have been advised to be deferred or shifted to virtual mode unless related to essential services.
The government has also asked all its employees to be economical in the consumption of petrol and diesel for personal use. To increase revenue generation, all departments will ensure timely revision and rationalisation of user charges, licence fees, lease rents, and service charges wherever feasible.
