Govt officials asked to spend carefully
The circular was issued as a part of the government’s austerity measures amid coronavirus pandemic
The Ministry of Finance has instructed government officials to maintain existing rules and regulations strictly during public purchases. In a circular, the Finance Division Tuesday directed the officials so that no public spending crosses the limit.
"In spending the public funds, everyone should be as careful as a rational person spends from his own pocket," said the Finance Division circular.
The circular signed by Finance Secretary Abdur Rouf Talukder reinforcing the "Delegation of Financial Powers" told the ministries, divisions and project directors to adopt austerity measures led by the pandemic.
The circular was issued as a part of the government's austerity measures in the face of falling revenues owing to the coronavirus pandemic, said a Finance Division official.
The circular said ministries and other public offices will have to spend the funds for which those have been allocated. The spending must be limited within the allocation. Without prior consent from the Finance Division, no money can be spent in anticipation of extra allocation.
The Finance Division also instructed not to avail breaking down the purchases.
"Next advance will not be disbursed if 85 percent of the previous allocation taken in advance is not adjusted by bills and vouchers. Development partner guidelines must be followed where applicable," said the circular.
It also said that the proposal for additional spending, creating spending proposal in sectors not specified in the budget, purchase or replacement of any vehicle would require the Finance Division's approval beforehand.
