Will the Minister of FINANCE be pleased to state:-

(a)        whether in view of Government`s resolve to effect economy in Government expenditure, any new guidelines/directions on the subject have recently been issued;

(b)        if so, the details thereof; and

(c)        if not, by when these are likely to be issued?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF FINANCE
(SHRI PAWAN KUMAR BANSAL)

(a) to (c): Yes, Sir. Guidelines related to expenditure management were issued vide Office Memorandum No. 7(1)/E.Coord/2008 dated 5th June, 2008.

These guidelines include cuts in non-plan expenditure (excluding interest payment, repayment of debt, Defence capital, salaries, pension and Finance Commission grants to the States) and other economy measures related to travel, seminars and conferences, vehicles etc.

Certain other guidelines related to travel of Government employees have also been issued.