To save funds, Punjab bans study tours of mantris, babus

CHANDIGARH: In a bid to check draining of the state government’s coffers, cash-strapped Punjab government has imposed a complete ban on its ministers and bureaucrats participating in study tours, conferences, workshops and seminars in other states and countries on the state government’s expenditure.
The finance department, which issued the ban on any extra expenditure earlier this week, has made it clear that maintaining budget discipline is of utmost importance.
The state government will grant permission for only those study tours, conferences, workshops and seminars which are completely funded by the organising agencies. Only exhibitions related to attracting business investment in Punjab would be allowed abroad but only after prior permission of CM Amarinder Singh.
The Punjab government has also put an embargo on holding of meetings, conferences, workshops and seminars in 5-star and luxury hotels. The austerity measures have also been extended to ministers and bureaucrats, who have charge of two or more departments.
Heads of the departments would be personally responsible to ensure compliance of these instructions, issued on January 21, and in case of violation, action would be initiated against the concerned officer under the Punjab Civil Services (Punishment and Appeals) Rules, 1970.