Bengal govt looks to cut down on 'avoidable expenditure'

Kolkata: Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee will hold a high level meeting on Thursday at Nabanna Sabhaghar, to ensure ways to cut down on avoidable expenditure.

The state government has already issued a memorandum on Monday, stating the steps that need to be taken to cut down on avoidable non-plan expenditure.

All the ministers and minister of states will be present in the meeting. Malay De, Chief Secretary, Virendra, Director General of Police, Surajit Kar Purkayastha, State Security Advisor, Rajeev Kumar, Commissioner of Police, officers of joint secretary and above rank of all departments and state government undertaking companies, will also be present in the meeting that will be convened at 1 pm.

In the meeting, the Chief Minister will be discussing all the issues related to the measures need to be taken to cut down on avoidable expenditure.

As stated in the memorandum, 15 measures have been suggested to check the expenses. Conferences and seminars must be held in government premises, instead of in any hotel or private facility without approval of the Chief Secretary and ostentatious decoration of the venues shall be stopped.

No lavish reception or meet shall be organised without approval of the Chief Secretary. At the same time, offering of bouquet and expensive gifts and mementos to greet dignitaries, apart from state guests and the dignitaries coming from outside the state, should also be stopped.

Moreover, the lunch packet in meetings should be kept simple and cost of refreshments should be restricted.

Restricting expenditure on stationery for participants in any meeting, it has been stated that at maximum, writing pad and a simple pen can be given. Only a simple bag may be given in very special cases.

Most importantly, stress has been given on video conferencing to avoid frequent meetings at the state headquarters or regional headquarters, in which field officers from districts need to travel long distances.

There should not be any expenditure to beautify or furnish office rooms, guest houses, etc. and "the head of the department can accord necessary approval to such expenditure of not more than Rs 5 lakh for any financial year".

Bar has also been imposed on purchase of new vehicles for "meeting operational requirement" of the departments, for providing essential and emergency services. Finance department's approval is a must for purchasing and hiring of new vehicles.

At the same time, restriction has also been imposed on fuel consumption for both operational and non-operational vehicles and officers are to be provided a pool vehicle, as per entitlement, instead of individual vehicles.

In a bid to save power consumption, installation of air-conditioners shall be made as per existing entitlement of officers. Officers should visit Delhi and other states only when it is absolutely necessary, with appropriate authority's permission and it has to be in economy class of a flight for travelling within the country. There shall be no foreign trips, unless specifically approved by the state government.

Creation of posts has to be approved, only after being scrutinised by the State Level Committee.

It may be mentioned that the next cabinet meeting will be held on July 5 from 5 pm onwards.