Mumbai: The Maharashtra Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari on Thursday announced a series of austerity measures to reduce the expenses of Raj Bhavan so as to make more resources available for COVID-19 relief measures. The austerity measures are aimed to reduce expenses in the current financial year.
Governor's move comes a month after the state Government due to delicate state of finances had announced slew of austerity measures including 67 per cent cut in planned expenditure, no transfers and promotions, no new capital expenditure and construction works. This was announced as the Government because of COVID 19 pandemic is already facing a revenue shortfall and it is estimated to be at least Rs 1.40 lakh crore in the current fiscal.
Against this backdrop Governor's austerity drive is important as the Raj Bhavan gets Rs 10 crore annually from the state government.
The Governor has instructed that no new capital works to be undertaken. There will not be any new major construction / repairing works in Raj Bhavan. Only ongoing works in progress will be continued and completed. The Independence Day Reception to be held on 15th August 2020 at Raj Bhavan, Pune will be cancelled.
There will be no new regular recruitment in Raj Bhavan until further orders.The proposal for the purchase of new car for Raj Bhavan be deferred.
The practice of offering gifts/mementos to VVIPS will be discontinued until further order. The practice of welcoming VIP visitors with bouquets will be discontinued. Guest house rooms in Raj Bhavan should not be decorated with vases and flower-pots.
Meetings and interactions with Vice-Chancellors and various officers to be conducted via video conference to avoid any expenses on travel. It is estimated that these measures will save nearly 10 to 15 percent of the budget of the Raj Bhavan in the current financial year.
The Governor has already contributed his one month salary and further pledged 30% of his salary for one year to the PM CARES Fund for COVID - 19.
In the Governor’s estimation, these austerity measures will be a small but significant contribution to save resources that can be used to reduce the sufferings of the people in the backdrop of the situation arisen because of the Corona Virus Disease.
Governor’s Austerity Measures at a Glance:
No New Capital Works to be taken up in Raj Bhavan
No bouquets, gifts & mementoes for VVIPs
No Independence Day Reception this year
Car purchase for Raj Bhavan deferred
No new regular recruitment in Raj Bhavan
Meetings with Vice Chancellors, officials via video conference
Expected annual savings 10 – 15 per cent
