Austerity measures tweaked

NEW DELHI: The austerity drive announced by the government will not be lifted fully. While ministers will be allowed to fly in executive class, the restrictions on using five-star facilities will stay. The ministers and officials will also be advised to cut down on foreign travel. The austerity drive was announced last year in the wake of the global slowdown and drought. But these measures have not brought any tangible change in the lifestyle of ministers. They have been using jets and choppers of friendly corporates for air travel.

Some senior ministers like Farooq Abdullah had demanded lifting of the austerity measures at the last Cabinet meeting. Sources said though government finances have improved, most austerity measures will continue in the next financial year as well. They denied that Cabinet secretary K M Chandrashekhar “briefed” the Cabinet on air travel, pointing out that it was the prerogative of the finance minister.