"As we ask the people to bear some financial burden of our oil imports, it is not only necessary from the resource conservation... But also as a moral duty to cut out wasteful expenditure in our own establishment," he said in a letter to his ministerial colleagues.
He reminded the ministers that as the government initiated steps to meet the resource crunch, it was inevitable that some of the burden would have to be borne by the public.
"We need to explain to the people the constraints and reasons that have compelled the government to introduce these measures. Simultaneously, however, it is equally necessary for us to introduce the utmost economy in our own administrations and establishments," Singh said.
Noting that there was substantial scope to reduce expenditure on travel and administration, the prime minister wanted severe curtailment on expenditure on air travel, particularly foreign travel.
"This economy may be made applicable immediately for your own self and also for all senior functionaries in your ministry," he said.
Seeking fullest cooperation in the matter, Singh said the Cabinet Secretary would be issuing instructions to introduce more rigorous scrutiny of foreign travel proposals.
At the same time, he told the ministers "the best prudence can be exercised at your own level with regard to both foreign and local travel for you and your officers."
