The Forum for Good Governance (FGG) in Hyderabad is proposing austerity measures for the government due to the high amount of state revenue being used to repay loans totaling Rs 6.72 lakh crore. The FGG suggests cutting administrative expenses by 10% without affecting efficiency. They also recommend banning the purchase of new vehicles, stopping construction projects, limiting foreign travel for politicians and bureaucrats, and reevaluating certain government schemes.
The FGG was concerned after reading a white paper released by the Finance Department of Telangana, which revealed that 34% of the state’s revenue is going towards loan payments. The proposed austerity measures include reevaluating the Rythu Bharosa scheme, selecting beneficiaries for government programs without political involvement, and limiting free power for agriculture pump sets to two bores.
Additionally, the FGG is advocating for budget allocations towards irrigation projects nearing completion within the next one or two years. They suggest postponing certain schemes like Kalyana Laxmi and Shaadi Mubarak until the next financial year. The FGG also recommends a voluntary 10% salary reduction for high-ranking officials like the Chief Minister and encouraging other employees to consider similar measures.
