Expenses must be cut, no five-star hotels for seminars; violators will be charged with interest: Finance department

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: As the state is going through a severe financial crisis, the Finance Department has suggested to reduce expenditure. Finance Department has suggested that state government institutions, local bodies and semi-government bodies should reduce their expenditure.

It is suggested that five-star hotels should not be used for seminars, workshops and training programs and instead, other facilities of the department should be used as much as possible. The directive also said that if this order is violated, the money will be recovered from the officer's salary with interest.

As part of the tightening of treasury controls, it has been requested to seek special permission for passing bills above five lakhs. This was applicable only for bills above Rs.10 lakh earlier. Finance department explained that the restriction is to ensure that there is money available in the treasury for Onam expenses.