Govt vehicle purchase, foreign trip, new building construction banned: Finance ministry
The order also suspends participation in all types of seminars, symposiums, and workshops abroad funded by the government
No government institution will be allowed to purchase vehicles from either the development or operating budget during the current fiscal year, as part of an austerity directive issued by the finance ministry on Tuesday (8 July).
The order also suspends participation in all types of seminars, symposiums, and workshops abroad funded by the government.
According to the circular, all allocations under the operating budget for vehicle purchases must remain unspent. However, in cases where vehicles registered as TO&E (Table of Organisation and Equipment) are over 10 years old, replacement may be permitted with approval from the Finance Division.
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Additionally, except for structures related to the ministries of education, health, and agriculture, the construction of new residential, non-residential, and other buildings has been halted.
Construction work that is already over 50% complete may proceed with Finance Division approval. Spending on land acquisition and block allocations has also been suspended.
The order further outlines what expenditures are restricted under the development budget.
It states that the purchase of all types of vehicles under development projects is suspended. For land acquisition, all formalities must be fulfilled, and expenses may only be incurred with prior approval from the Finance Division.
The directive also states that no government officials may attend any seminars, symposiums, or workshops abroad under government-funded development projects. However, foreign travel for Master's or PhD studies under government funding or scholarships/fellowships offered by development partners, universities, or other entities will be allowed.
Participation in foreign training programmes aligned with professional development goals will also be permitted under government funding.
Lastly, the circular states that all types of foreign travel must follow the guidelines outlined in the Cabinet Division's previous circular issued on 9 December last year.
That instruction had stated: "Government officials at all levels shall refrain from undertaking recreational trips abroad… Government officials and employees shall avoid going on long-term study leave abroad."
