Shanta hails Centre's austerity measures

Former union minister and Kangra MP Shanta Kumar has lauded the Centre's decision barring bureaucrats from travelling first class on overseas visits and holding meetings in five-star hotels.

Former union minister and Kangra MP Shanta Kumar has lauded the Centre's decision barring bureaucrats from travelling first class on overseas visits and holding meetings in five-star hotels.

In a letter written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Shanta said that such steps were much needed to cut the wasteful expenditure in the administration.

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He said the total budget outlay of central government is `17.94 lakh crore, which includes non-plan expenditure of `12.10 lakh crore. “Ten per cent cut on non- plan expenditure will save 1.20 lakh crore which could be used for public welfare,” said Shanta.

He said similar steps should be taken at the state-level to stop the wasteful expenditure being incurred on foundation stone laying ceremonies, inaugurations, purchase of vehicles and other activities.

He said that after 68 years of independence, India still has the largest population suffering with hunger and malnutrition. “Resources generated through savings could be used to provide relief for population reeling under poverty,” said Shanta.