Guwahati: The Assam government has announced a six-month austerity drive aimed at reducing administrative expenditure, with fresh restrictions placed on foreign travel, fuel consumption, official purchases, and government events.

Under the new measures, ministers, senior officials, and government employees will not be allowed to undertake foreign tours without prior approval from Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.

As part of the cost-cutting initiative, all government departments have been directed to reduce fuel consumption by 20 percent. The state government has also ordered the downsizing of official convoys, including those attached to the Chief Minister and the Governor.

The austerity measures further prohibit the import or purchase of foreign goods for official use. Departments have been instructed to prioritise locally available products wherever possible.

In another major step, the government said seminars, workshops, and review meetings should be conducted through video conferencing instead of physical gatherings to reduce expenditure on travel and hospitality.

Officials said the six-month drive is intended to ensure financial discipline and optimise government spending amid rising expenditure pressures.