Rajasthan government lays down austerity rules for ministers, babus

The Rajasthan [ Images ] government on Wednesday joined the austerity bandwagon, banning foreign tours by ministers and officers with immediate effect till June 30 next year.

The state had earlier declared drought in its 24 districts.

The order asking authorities to cut expenditure would be applicable to all government departments, an official spokesman said.

All ministers have been asked to travel only by economy class in flights, only after getting permission from the Chief Minister's Office.

Also, all offices have been asked to cut power bills by 10 per cent every month.

Employees seeking transfers will not be paid any allowances, while officers will have to seek prior permission for any official trip to Delhi [ Images ].

The government has also laid a ban on purchase of vehicles, air conditioners, mobile phones, though computers are an exception, while junk and obsolete equipment will be sold. Life-saving and essential services are not included in this.

State government dinners or lunches are permitted, while all inaugurations, stone-laying functions and workshops will be conducted in a simple way.