AUSTERITY ADOPTED IN GOVT. SPENDING

GOVT. ANNOUNCES AUSTERITY IN GOVT. EXPENDITURE

Kathmandu, 19 Sept.: Finance Minister Barshaman Pun
Monday announced austerity in government expenditure.
No reception at will be held at government expense except for guests and foreign invitees.
Government will meet expenses of only three members of ministerial and two members of official teams visiting foreign countries.
Government will encourage purchase national produce even if they are more expensive than foreign produce.
Purchase of vehicles without getting rid of old vehicles will be discouraged.
A ceiling of expenditure for purchase of vehicles for ministers, officials and projects was put at Rs 20, 30 and 40 million..
Austerity measures approved by the cabinet was announced one day after parliament approved the annual national budget for fiscal year 2011/12.
Minister Pun held a collective meeting with donors for the first time Monday after assuming office.
Measures were announced amending an existing order.
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