Himachal cuts travel expenses

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.