In a bid to rationalize the utilization of government vehicles and curtail fuel expenses, the Finance Department has introduced revised guidelines targeted at key officials. These measures, tailored for Ministers, Chief Secretaries, and other high-ranking government personnel, aim to strike a balance between the necessity of official transportation and prudent fiscal management.
Embracing Transparency: Key Changes in Fuel Consumption Limits
The updated criteria outline specific fuel consumption limits for various categories of government officials:
1. Chief Ministers and Ministers: Maintaining the existing quota, Chief Ministers and Ministers retain access to 600 liters of petrol or diesel per month, ensuring seamless execution of their administrative duties.
2. Officers in Old Raipur: Officers based in Old Raipur are now subject to a revised limit of 250 liters, aligning fuel provisions with their commuting requirements.
3. Officers in Nava Raipur: Reflecting potentially shorter travel distances or reduced transportation needs, officers stationed in Nava Raipur are allocated a more conservative fuel limit of 80 liters per month.
4. Office Bridge Vehicles: Vehicles designated for office bridge operations are assigned a monthly fuel limit of 375 liters, tailored to their specific roles within government functions.
Rationalizing Vehicle Purchase Costs
In addition to fuel consumption limits, the guidelines also introduce caps on the purchase price of government vehicles:
1. Chief Ministers: The maximum budget for purchasing a car for Chief Ministers is capped at Rs 12 lakh, ensuring prudent expenditure while meeting the needs of their official duties.
2. Ministers: Other Ministers are allotted a purchase price limit of Rs 10 lakh for their official vehicles, striking a balance between affordability and functionality.
3. Officers: Government officers are allocated a maximum budget of Rs 8.50 lakh for purchasing vehicles, ensuring that expenditures remain within reasonable bounds while meeting operational requirements.
Advancing Fiscal Responsibility
At its core, these guidelines are aimed at promoting fiscal responsibility and accountability within the government machinery. By delineating clear limits on fuel consumption and vehicle purchase costs, the Finance Department seeks to optimize operational efficiency while curbing excessive spending. Ultimately, these measures are designed to ensure that government resources are utilized judiciously, fostering a culture of economic prudence and transparency.
The introduction of fuel consumption limits and purchase price caps represents a proactive step towards enhancing governance effectiveness and financial stewardship. By instilling greater accountability and efficiency in the utilization of government resources, these guidelines pave the way for a more responsible and transparent administration.
