Kumar Bahukhandi
Dr. Rohit Yadav, Secretary of the Finance Department issues directives aim to facilitate the efficient management of the state’s financial resources and to establish discipline in public expenditure-Representational Image ( File Photo -Credit – Internet)
Directives to Remain Effective Until September 30, 2026; Emphasis Placed on Cutting Government Costs and Optimizing Resource Utilisation
Raipur: The Finance Department of the Government of Chhattisgarh has issued financial directives aimed at ensuring austerity and fiscal discipline in government expenditure.
According to the directives issued by the department, all departments, Divisional Commissioners, District Collectors, and Heads of Departments have been instructed to ensure the prudent utilisation of government resources and to exercise control over unnecessary expenses.
Dr. Rohit Yadav, Secretary of the Finance Department issues these directives aim to facilitate the efficient management of the state’s financial resources and to establish discipline in public expenditure. These directives have come into force with immediate effect and will remain operative until September 30, 2026.
Controls on the Use of Carcades
As per the directives, only absolutely essential vehicles are to be utilized in the official carcades of the Chief Minister, the Council of Ministers, and functionaries of various Corporations, Boards, and Commissions. The restrained use of other government resources is also to be ensured.
Promotion of Electric Vehicles
Instructions have been issued to undertake necessary measures to convert the state’s government vehicle fleet into electric vehicles in a phased manner, with the objective of reducing fuel expenditure and promoting environmental conservation.
Austerity in Fuel and Vehicle Expenses
Directives have been issued to keep expenditure on petrol and diesel at a bare minimum level. A vehicle pooling system is to be implemented for officials traveling in the same direction.
Ban on Foreign Travel
Barring extremely unavoidable circumstances, there shall be a complete ban on foreign travel by government employees at the expense of the State Government. In instances where such travel is deemed essential, obtaining the prior permission of the Chief Minister shall be mandatory.
Promotion of Virtual Meetings
Virtual and online meetings are to be encouraged as an alternative to physical meetings. According to the directives, physical meetings shall be convened only once a month, insofar as is practicable, while departmental review meetings are to be conducted via video conferencing.
Special Focus on Energy Conservation
After office hours, all electrical appliances—such as lights, fans, ACs, and computers—must be switched off without exception. Necessary measures will be implemented to prevent energy wastage within government buildings.
Promotion of e-Office and Digital Workflows
In meetings, electronic files (PDFs, PPTs, etc.) will be utilised instead of printed documents. Furthermore, official correspondence and note sheets must be processed exclusively through the e-Office system to reduce expenditure on paper and stationery.
Maximising the Use of the iGOT Karmayogi Portal
For training programs, the utilisation of the iGOT Karmayogi portal will be increased as an alternative to physical training sessions. Departments have been directed to upload their training modules onto this portal.
The Finance Department has instructed all concerned officials to ensure strict compliance with these directives.
The government believes that these measures will not only lead to a reduction in government expenditure but also result in a significant improvement in administrative efficiency and accountability.
