CM Kumaraswamy announces austerity drive

Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy has announced an austerity drive to cut “unnecessary expenditure” so as to strengthen the state’s finances.

“The CM has instructed the officials to cut down all unnecessary expenditure, if any, in administration accordingly,” the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) said in a statement Sunday.

Kumaraswamy has asked authorities to review proposals submitted by various government departments, offices and agencies to buy new cars.

“CM also has directed to discourage unnecessary refurbishing and renovating of government offices and official residences,” the CMO said.

These austerity measures come amid Kumaraswamy’s announcement to waive off loans borrowed by farmers, for which the state government is drawing up a plan to ensure the waiver does not hit Karnataka’s fiscal situation.