Taking a cue from Central government and the corporate sector, the Himachal government has directed its officers to hire taxis on rent for their official journeys within and outside the state.

The decision, which has been approved by the Cabinet, has been taken to cut expenses on government vehicles. The senior secretaries, heads of departments, managing directors of state public-sector undertakings and government agencies have been advised for take vehicles on rent for official tours, instead of asking for sanctions to buy new vehicles. An official communication to this effect has been circulated by KR Bharti, Special Secretary in the General Administration Department (GAD).

Sources say that after the official vehicle is phased out, the departments will be free to engage private taxis on rentals and pay a fixed amount for clearing travel bills.

GAD had earlier invited options from leading taxi operators for placing their vehicles at government disposals on fixed charges. “The taxi operator who agreed to charge the lowest rates and provide new vehicles was chosen. Different rates have been approved for vehicles like Scorpio, Innova, Esteem, Indigo and Indica,” said an official.

In case of a mid-way breakdown, the operator will rush a new vehicle for the user. A maximum limit of Rs 33,000 per month has been fixed for the departments, PSUs and other agencies, for private rental vehicles.