The Himanta Biswa Sarma-led Assam cabinet, in its first meeting after being sworn in for a second term, adopted a series of austerity measures. These steps align with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call for economic self-reliance and responsible nation-building amid the West Asia crisis.
Key Decisions on Fuel and Travel
Sarma stated that the cabinet carefully considered the PM’s appeal to save foreign exchange and reduce dependence on imported fuel. As part of the measures, the cabinet decided to downsize convoys of the governor, chief minister, ministers, and senior officials. This aims to cut fuel consumption and set an example of restraint at the highest government levels.
“The cabinet decided that the government will cut down 20% of the expenses incurred on fuel purchase in the last financial year,” Sarma said. Additionally, no government official will travel abroad for official or private purposes over the next six months, except in medical emergencies.
Vehicle Purchase Freeze and EV Promotion
The cabinet also announced a freeze on new vehicle purchases by the government for the next six months. “Also, if the government needs to hire vehicles, it will be only electric vehicles and not petrol or diesel-run,” he added.
Promoting Virtual Meetings
To further cut costs, the cabinet decided to discourage seminars, workshops, and physical meetings, with greater emphasis on online conferences and virtual interactions. Sarma added that the government will encourage scrapping of old vehicles.
Context of the Measures
The measures come in the wake of Modi’s warning that the ongoing military conflict in West Asia could trigger a crisis ‘bigger than the global Covid pandemic’. The PM had urged both citizens and governments to adopt austerity and fuel-saving practices to safeguard India’s economic stability.
