New Delhi, November 3 : After the sixth Pay Commission nearly doubled the Travelling Allowance (TA) of senior officers, the Government says it won’t make additional funds available for the increased expenditure. It wants officers to cut official travel drastically to neutralize the effect of the increased TA.
In the time of global financial crisis, the government’s latest memorandum on austerity measures reminds officers that “the new Travelling Allowance rules clearly state that no additional funds will be provided on account of revision of TA/DA entitlements”. Officers should, therefore, travel “judiciously”, “restricted only to absolutely essential officials requirements”.
In June, the government had asked all ministries and departments to mandatorily cut 10 per cent cut of their non-plan expenditure.
The new memorandum, issued by the Department of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance, asks each ministry or department to ensure that airline discounts are utilized in the best manner for the benefit of the government, and the cheapest tickets should be bought, “preferably by getting information through the Internet”.
“Officers,” it adds, “may also be encouraged, although not mandated, to travel by a class lower than their entitlements.”
They are required to credit air miles accumulated on official travel to their departments, not to their personal accounts.
“Any other incentives and similar packages such has ‘free companion’ etc. should be so negotiated by the Ministries/ Departments so that the benefits come to the government,” the memorandum says.
Officers have been advised to stay in circuit houses, government guest houses, inspection bungalows etc, while on tour.
Source: http://www.indianexpress.com
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