Unnecessary development expenses to be curbed

Punjab Finance Minister Mian Mujtaba Shujaur Rehman has said that unnecessary development expenditures in the province will be strictly controlled.

Speaking at the maiden meeting of a committee constituted to oversee austerity measures, he said the provincial government had taken firm decisions to reduce current expenditures to ensure fiscal discipline and efficient resource management.

He said the provincial cabinet had voluntarily decided not to draw salaries for two months.

A deduction equivalent to two days' basic salary had been made from all government officers in BS-17 and above. Punjab Assembly members will have a 25 per cent deduction in salaries and allowances for two months. Board members of public sector companies, autonomous bodies, and specialised institutions will also forgo board fees during the period.

The finance secretary said while briefing the committee that a ban had been imposed on the purchase of vehicles by all government departments, with any exception subject to prior approval from the finance department.

To curtail fuel and electricity expenditures, only essential staff will attend offices, while rooms allocated to non-essential staff will remain closed to minimise unnecessary consumption of electricity, including air conditioning and lighting.

It was decided that official meetings would, as far as possible, be conducted through virtual platforms to ensure continuity of operations while reducing operational costs.

The private sector will also be encouraged to adopt similar austerity measures.

The participants reviewed various proposals presented by departmental heads for reducing non-essential expenditures, improving financial discipline, and ensuring efficient and transparent utilisation of public resources. They apprised the committee of progress achieved in implementing austerity measures in their departments.

The minister directed all departments to submit weekly progress reports outlining implementation status and quantifiable savings achieved. He emphasised the need to strengthen transparency, accountability, and coordination.