Guwahati, May 14: The Assam Cabinet on Wednesday announced a series of austerity measures aimed at reducing government expenditure and fuel consumption in view of the ongoing crisis in West Asia and the possibility of rising global fuel prices.

The decisions were taken during the first Cabinet meeting of the Himanta Biswa Sarma-led government after assuming office for a second consecutive term. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said the measures were adopted following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeal for fuel conservation and fiscal prudence amid growing international uncertainty

As part of the austerity measures, the Assam government has imposed a six-month freeze on the purchase of new vehicles, directed departments to minimise the use of official vehicles and reduce convoy sizes, while also encouraging the use of electric vehicles. The Cabinet has further restricted foreign travel by ministers and officials except in exceptional cases and advised departments to shift seminars, workshops and official meetings to virtual platforms to cut fuel consumption and administrative expenses.

Officials said the austerity measures are aimed at promoting fiscal discipline and conserving resources at a time of global uncertainty, as rising fuel prices are expected to affect government expenditure and day-to-day operations. The steps, they added, form part of a broader strategy to rationalise spending and ensure efficient utilisation of public resources in the months ahead.

• D. Dutta