The Rashtrapati Bhavan will undertake a number of measures to reduce its expenditure amid Covid-19
President Ram Nath Kovind has given instructions to the Rashtrapati Bhavan to set an example by economising the expenditure by reducing usage of resources and utilizing the saved money to combat Covid-19.
Also, the President has decided to forgo 30 per cent of his salary for a year in a bid to fund the fight against Covid-19
The measures taken to reduce the expenditure are:
1.It will not be taking up new capital works in FY 2020-21 and completing only the ongoing works.
2.No new construction work will be sanctioned in the world’s second-largest presidential estate in the next one year.
3.Repair and maintenance work will be minimised to only ensure the proper upkeep of assets.
4.Menu and guest list will be trimmed for all future banquets. Although it will be ensured to honour the state guest without opulence. Also lesser usage of flowers.
5.The domestic tours and programmes will be substantially reduced in order to follow the social distancing restrictions and minimise the expenditure
6.Reduce costs by 20% so that the money can be spent for the poor.
7.Reduction in the use of office consumables. Use of e-technology to cut down the use of paper to avoid wastage and make the office eco-friendly as well as efforts will be made to save energy and fuel by rationalising their usage.
8.President has deferred the purchase of brand-new limousine for ceremonial use.
