At a time when there are constant calls to exercise utmost caution in spending taxpayers’ money, the government deserves appreciation for its commitment to implementing a set of austerity measures. If adhered to in letter and spirit, these measures have the potential to make a significant difference.
In a circular, the Federal Government has notified earlier decision of the Federal Cabinet aimed at reducing expenditure and these include abolition of vacant positions, a ban on the purchase of new vehicles and machinery as well as treatment and visits abroad by officials. The Government is also aggressively implementing the policy of right-sizing of ministries and departments under which many ministries and institutions are either being transferred to provinces, abolished altogether or merged with others. The policy makers expect a substantial saving after execution of the right-sizing plan as well as austerity measures. At a time when a majority of the people is forced to live hand to mouth because of inflation and squeezing of employment and economic opportunities, it is but natural that the Government should opt for a cogent strategy to avoid wasteful expenditure. There is absolutely no justification to allow visits abroad on flimsy grounds or treatment when medical facilities are locally available. Similarly, it has become a practice to procure vehicles unnecessarily and carry out sham repairs of government offices, which is nothing but sheer corruption and misuse of powers. In fact, the measures that the Government has notified are in vogue, in one way or the other, since long but loophole did not allow intended benefit to accrue. A case in point is continued misuse of official vehicles despite the fact that the officers are receiving hefty benefits in the shape of monetization of transport facility.
