Nagaland government enforces austerity measures until March 2027, cutting travel, convoys, spending and promoting energy conservation and local products
KOHIMA — Nagaland government has unveiled a series of austerity, expenditure rationalisation and resource conservation measures that will remain in force until March 2027.
The directives, issued by the Finance department's budget and monitoring cell through an office memorandum dated July 13, took immediate effect and may be extended beyond March 2027 if required.
The measures apply to all government departments, boards, corporations, government institutions and state public sector undertakings to ensure prudent utilisation of public resources and promote responsible governance.
Reduced official convoys
Official convoys attached to ministers, advisors and senior government officials will be reduced to the minimum essential level. Departments have been directed to pool escort and protocol vehicles wherever feasible, while the use of multiple support vehicles for routine engagements has been discouraged.
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The departments have also been directed to minimise the use of official vehicles by maximising existing vehicle pools and encouraging the use of public transport, shared transport and carpooling wherever possible.
Foreign visits deferred
All non-essential foreign exposure visits, study tours and official delegations have been deferred during the austerity period. Exceptions may be considered only for medical emergencies, statutory or treaty obligations, and fully externally sponsored programmes, subject to prior approval of the chief secretary wherever applicable.
The government has restricted non-essential official travel outside the state and directed departments to adopt video conferencing and virtual review meetings as the default mode wherever feasible.
Departments have also been instructed to consolidate multiple official engagements into single tours to reduce expenditure. Where travel is unavoidable, only officers directly connected with the subject matter should undertake official tours, with the recommendation of the administrative head of the department.
Energy conservation
Decorative lighting in government buildings will be restricted, while mandatory switching off of lights, air conditioners and electrical equipment after office hours or when not in use will be enforced.
Departments have also been directed to promote energy-efficient appliances and LED lighting, minimise the use of diesel generators except during emergencies, and conduct periodic energy audits to identify wastage and implement corrective measures.
Government offices and institutions have been encouraged to observe periodic “Lights Off” campaigns to promote energy conservation.
Curbs on functions, advertisements
The memorandum directs departments to minimise expenditure on ceremonial functions, entertainment and other non-essential events by adopting simple and locally appropriate formats. Avoidable hospitality expenditure has also been discouraged.
Non-essential advertisements and publicity campaigns will be restricted, with departments encouraged to rely more on digital communication platforms and official portals.
Departments have also been instructed to defer avoidable furnishing, renovation, purchase of non-essential office items and aesthetic improvements.
Expenditure on residential renovations and refurbishments will ordinarily not be permitted during the austerity period.
The government further advised departments to avoid outsourcing consultancy services for work that can be handled internally and to minimise printing except where legally or procedurally necessary. Government offices have also been directed to promote paperless transactions and digital payments.
Focus on local products
The government has asked departments concerned to undertake public awareness campaigns promoting fuel conservation, reduced electricity consumption, waste minimisation, sustainable practices and support for local products.
It also introduced a “Local First” protocol, directing government meetings and official events to prioritise local food products, tea, coffee, fruits, handloom and handicrafts wherever practicable.