FinMin bans creation of new posts in govt in major austerity drive

Expenditure curbs also include re-fixing fee of consultants, reviewing their hiring; protocols on printing and functions

Struggling with burgeoning expenditure for fighting Covid-19, the finance ministry has banned the creation of new posts in the central government, except those approved by the expenditure department under the ministry. 

"There will be a ban on creation of new posts, except with the approval of the department of expenditure, in the ministries/departments, attached offices, subordinate offices, statutory bodies and autonomous bodies," says an office memorandum issued by the department of expenditure. 

Any posts created after July 1 without the approval of the expenditure department will remain vacant if they haven't yet been filled, the memorandum says. 

The memorandum also