Itanagar, May 14: In response to the appeal made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi for greater fiscal prudence and responsible governance, the Arunachal Pradesh Cabinet on Thursday announced a comprehensive set of austerity measures to be implemented across all departments and government establishments in the state.
The Cabinet stated that the measures are aimed at promoting efficient use of public resources, reducing avoidable expenditure, encouraging sustainability, and strengthening administrative accountability.
As part of the new directives, all foreign travels by Ministers and government officials have been suspended for the next one year, except in exceptional or unavoidable circumstances approved by the competent authority.
The state government has also ordered a 50 per cent reduction in the convoys of the Chief Minister, Deputy Chief Minister, and all Ministers as part of efforts to minimise fuel consumption and public expenditure.
In a major administrative reform initiative, the Cabinet adopted a “Virtual First” policy for official meetings, encouraging departments to prioritise video conferencing and digital communication wherever possible in order to reduce travel-related costs.
To ensure economical travel management, officials have been directed to book tickets for unavoidable official tours at least 15 days in advance, while Leave Travel Concession (LTC) journeys must be booked 45 days ahead.
The Cabinet further resolved to implement 100 per cent adoption of e-office and paperless desk systems in all subordinate offices, circle offices, and SDO headquarters by March 2027. The move is expected to reduce paper consumption and improve administrative efficiency.
The government also encouraged carpooling and greater use of public transport among officers as well as school and college students to promote fuel conservation and environmentally responsible practices.
Under the austerity guidelines, procurement of new government vehicles has been prohibited except for emergency service requirement vehicles. Additionally, all government offices have been directed to maintain air-conditioner temperatures at 24 degrees Celsius or above to optimise electricity consumption.
The Cabinet also announced several sustainability-oriented measures, including encouraging minimal usage of edible oil in government schools, colleges, hospitals, and canteens, and promoting certified organic farming practices across the agriculture and horticulture sectors.
Further, all electronic items procured by government departments must now be 5-star energy-efficient rated products in line with energy conservation goals.
Reiterating the importance of self-reliance and local economic empowerment, the State Government called upon departments and citizens alike to embrace the spirit of “Buy Swadeshi, Buy Local” to strengthen local communities and contribute to nation-building.
Officials said the austerity measures would come into force immediately and departments have been instructed to ensure strict compliance.