Guwahati, 20 May (HS): The Assam government has rolled out a wide-ranging austerity and fiscal management plan aimed at curbing non-developmental expenditure, strengthening financial discipline and enhancing revenue mobilisation during the current financial year.

Under the new directives issued by Finance Commissioner and Secretary Jayant Narlikar, all departments have been asked to reduce fuel expenditure by 20% and bring down revenue and establishment-related expenses by 10%. The measures come amid global uncertainties linked to the ongoing West Asia crisis and the state’s push for greater administrative preparedness.

The government has decided to restrict unnecessary expenditure while ensuring that priority welfare and development schemes continue without disruption. As part of the cost-cutting exercise, convoy sizes of the Chief Minister, ministers and senior officials will be reduced without compromising security arrangements. Movement of CAPF and Assam Police personnel between districts will also be regulated, except during emergency law-and-order situations with prior approval.

A six-month ban has been imposed on the purchase of new government vehicles, while obsolete vehicles will be scrapped immediately. Departments have been directed to minimise official vehicle usage, promote carpooling and encourage the use of electric vehicles and public transport.

In a significant push towards green mobility, departments hiring vehicles have been instructed to prioritise EVs. The government is also planning incentives for wider public adoption of electric vehicles along with expansion of charging infrastructure across the state. The Guwahati Municipal Corporation has been asked to gradually move towards a fully green public transport system, while other urban bodies have been encouraged to adopt non-fossil fuel alternatives.

The order further states that all official and private foreign visits by ministers and government officials will remain suspended for six months unless related to national interest, medical emergencies, education or urgent family matters abroad, subject to approval from the Chief Minister.

Departments have additionally been advised to avoid large physical meetings and shift to virtual platforms wherever feasible. Expenditure on official hospitality, cultural programmes funded by the government, non-essential travel and training activities has also been discouraged.

To reduce power consumption, government offices and municipal bodies have been instructed to conduct energy audits and optimise electricity usage, including limiting unnecessary street lighting.

Alongside expenditure control, the state government has also focused on increasing revenues. Departments have been asked to review user charges, licence fees, lease rents and service charges wherever possible. Government buildings and community halls developed under various schemes may also be commercially utilised to generate additional income for the state exchequer.

The austerity measures will remain effective until further orders, indicating the Assam government’s broader effort towards fiscal consolidation and efficient resource management.-----------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash