Austerity Measure of Government – Parliament Question
An Hon'ble MP had asked a question:-
Will the Minister of Finance be pleased to state:
a. Whether the Government has started any austerity drive and fixed target to reduce their expenditure;
b. If so, the details thereof;
c. The amount of money saved as a result so far.
d. Whether Government departments including Ministry of Finance are purchasing stationery and general use items at higher rates and even higher than MRP causing avoidable financial loss to the government
e. Whether Government/ Central Vigilance Commission has received complaints in this regard and if so, the details thereof and the action taken thereon, and
f. Whether stationery and general use items are available in Kendriya Bhandar at cheaper rates than the market rates and if so, steps taken to direct Government departments to procure their requirement from them to bring austerity in Government expenditure?
Now this question is admitted for reply on 20.11.2009. The CBDT has written a letter to all the Chief Commissioners and DGs yesterday asking for a reply yesterday itself. You can guess what kind of replies the Chief Commissioners must have sent in the few hours they had for sending their replies. To be fair to CBDT, it appears that they got the questions only on 16.11.2009!