Sri Vijaya Puram, June 1: The Andaman and Nicobar Administration has imposed a comprehensive set of austerity measures across all government departments, subordinate offices and autonomous bodies, introducing spending restrictions and resource optimisation directives aimed at strengthening fiscal discipline and reducing administrative expenditure.
Acting on directions issued by the Competent Authority, the Administration has ordered immediate enforcement of economy measures that will remain in force until further orders. The move comes amid continued emphasis on fiscal prudence, efficient utilisation of public resources and rationalisation of government spending.
Under the new directives, departments have been prohibited from procuring any new official vehicles. Authorities have also instructed all offices to closely monitor fuel consumption of departmental vehicles and achieve a reduction of at least 20 per cent compared to previous average usage levels.
The Administration has further directed the Shipping and Transport Departments to optimise vessel voyages and bus operations to maximise fuel savings. The measure is intended to reduce recurring operational expenditure while ensuring essential public services continue without disruption.
Restrictions have also been imposed on the procurement of information technology hardware. Departments have been barred from purchasing new desktop computers and all-in-one systems and have instead been instructed to utilise existing equipment through internal redistribution, maintenance and repairs wherever possible.
Similarly, the purchase of new furniture, fixtures, air-conditioners and coolers has been restricted. Departments have been asked to make optimum use of available inventories and avoid fresh expenditure unless absolutely necessary.
The order also places limits on the acquisition of capital equipment and machinery. New purchases will not be permitted as a routine measure, and any proposal seeking acquisition must provide exceptional justification linked directly to public service delivery requirements.
In a significant administrative measure, the Administration has frozen additional hiring of vehicles and barred fresh outsourcing of manpower. The restriction covers security personnel, cleaning staff, sweepers and other support services. Departments have simultaneously been directed to review existing outsourced manpower arrangements and hired vehicles to eliminate duplication and improve deployment efficiency.
To reduce travel-related expenditure, officials have been instructed to attend meetings and conferences through virtual platforms wherever physical presence is not essential. Spending on seminars, inaugurations, conferences and inter-departmental meetings has also been ordered to be kept to the minimum required level.
The Administration has additionally directed all departments to avoid creating any new financial liabilities that are not specifically provided for in the budget approved by Parliament. The instruction seeks to ensure that expenditure remains aligned with sanctioned budgetary provisions.
Heads of Departments and Heads of Offices have been tasked with ensuring strict compliance with all directives. The Administration stated that the measures are aimed at strengthening financial management, optimising resource utilisation and maintaining expenditure discipline across government establishments in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
