ISLAMABAD – An amount of Rs 224 million has been saved by the PresidentSecretariat since the incumbent Government took over, as part of the driveto slash expenses by adopting austerity measures.
This has been done under the directions of President Dr Arif Alvi to reduceexpenses without affecting the efficiency of operations and quality ofservice delivery, said a press release issued by the President House onThursday.
The projected expenditure for the financial year 2018-19 is 6.1% lessagainst the allocated budget, as opposed to the previous financial yearsthat consistently suffered budget deficits.
Direct and Indirect Savings were made. In the context of Indirect Savings,now routine PAF maintenance flights transport the security staff of thePresident, instead of dedicated C-130.
Likewise, President’s national and international travel through commercialflights and substantial reduction in visiting entourage has contributedtowards a saving of Rs. 112.7 million. Moreover, Presidency has been openedfor all Ministries to hold their mega events in Aiwan-e-Sadr instead of5-Star hotels, which has saved the relevant ministries about Rs10.2 million.
Similarly, inefficient and exorbitant energy usage is being also cut byconducting comprehensive energy audit. Additionally, the travel entourageof the President has been reduced from 36 to 16 officers/officials, savingRs.5.8 million.
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Lastly, Presidency is employing less people than sanctioned posts and hasthus saved about Rs. 38.4 million.
If the impact of these austerity measures are analyzed head wise, in Paysand Allowances, Rs. 38 million have been saved by not enrolling freshintake against the vacant posts.
Under Conveyance and Motor Cars, 10.1% budget has been surrendered, inaddition to 20% of Telephone and Internet budget. In this regard, vintagevehicles have been processed for auction, which will cut their maintenancecost.
Moreover, 5% of Utilities, 41.1% of Misc. Capital Assets, Printing &Stationary, Postage etc, and 80% of Discretionary Grants funds have beensurrendered to the Government of Pakistan. In other words, austeritymeasures have been applied to all heads to utilize all possibilities ofsaving.
