Haryana govt in austerity mode, bans purchase of luxury items

"The Haryana government has completely banned purchase of luxury items, especially air-conditioners, carpets, costly furniture, crockery, and imposed a complete ban on domestic air travel in business class for any category of officers. Purchase of new cars and vehicles, except as replacement, has also been banned," an official release said here today.

The directions have been issued by Haryana Finance department to all heads of departments in the state.

It has also directed all departmental heads to effect mandatory five per cent cut in non-plan expenditure in domestic and foreign travel expenses, publications, professional services, advertising and publicity, office expenses, except for security related requirements and other administrative expenses, the release said.

A complete ban has also been imposed on upgrading of new posts.

"Creation of new posts would be allowed only under exceptional circumstances by the finance Department. Posts lying vacant for more than two years would be filled up only after the approval of the department. These measures would continue till further orders," the release said.