*New Fiscal Discipline Measures Rolled Out in Chhattisgarh; Government Pushes Spending Rationalisation Till September 2026*
*Austerity, Digital Governance and Resource Efficiency at Core of New Finance Department Directives*
Ashish kashyap Editor in chief Raipur, / In a significant move aimed at ensuring fiscal prudence and strengthening financial discipline in government expenditure, the Finance Department of the Chhattisgarh Government has issued a fresh set of directives focused on curbing unnecessary spending and promoting optimal utilisation of public resources.
According to the guidelines, all departments, Divisional Commissioners, Collectors and Heads of Departments have been instructed to ensure judicious use of government resources and maintain strict control over avoidable expenditures.
The directives, issued by Finance Department Secretary Dr. Rohit Yadav, are aimed at ensuring efficient management of the state’s financial resources and establish greater discipline in public spending. The instructions have come into immediate effect and will remain operational till September 30, 2026.
*Curtailment in Use of Carcade Vehicles*
As per the guidelines, only vehicles deemed absolutely essential will be permitted in the carcade of the Chief Minister, members of the Cabinet, and office-bearers of corporations, boards and commissions. The government has also called for restrained use of other official resources.
*Push for Electric Vehicles*
The state government has directed departments to initiate phased conversion of government vehicles into electric vehicles. The move is expected to reduce fuel expenditure while contributing to environmental conservation efforts.
*Emphasis on Fuel and Vehicle Cost Rationalisation*
Instructions have been issued to keep expenditure on petrol and diesel at a minimum. Vehicle pooling arrangements will also be implemented for officials travelling in the same direction to reduce operational costs.
*Restrictions on Foreign Travel*
Except under extremely unavoidable circumstances, foreign travel of government employees at the expense of the state exchequer has been prohibited. In exceptional cases, prior approval of the Chief Minister will be mandatory.
*Encouragement for Virtual Meetings*
The government has stressed the need to promote virtual and online meetings in place of physical gatherings. As per the directives, physical meetings should, as far as possible, be limited to once a month, while departmental review meetings will primarily be conducted through video conferencing.
*Focus on Energy Conservation*
Special emphasis has been placed on preventing wastage of electricity in government offices. Departments have been instructed to ensure that all electrical equipment, including lights, fans, air conditioners and computers, are switched off after office hours.
*Strengthening E-Office and Digital Work Culture*
To reduce expenditure on paper and stationery, printed documents in meetings will increasingly be replaced with electronic files such as PDFs and presentations. Further, official correspondence and note-sheet operations will be mandatorily conducted through the e-Office system.
*Greater Use of iGOT Karmayogi Portal*
The Finance Department has also encouraged wider use of the _iGOT Karmayogi portal_ for training programmes in place of conventional physical sessions. Departments have been directed to upload their training modules and courses on the portal.
The Finance Department has instructed all concerned authorities to ensure strict compliance with the guidelines. The government believes these measures will not only help reduce expenditure but also significantly enhance administrative efficiency, accountability and effective governance.
