Uttarakhand govt cuts costs, cancels increments and promotions  

As part of cost-cutting measures, the Uttarakhand government has slashed increments of its staff for the ongoing fiscal year and frozen all fresh recruitments for the time being.  

The move will be applicable to all departments except for the essential health department and the police department, where recruitments will continue. The measure is expected to counter the losses that have been incurred due to the recent lockdown and the battle against the coronavirus.  

With increasing digitisation, some posts have been rendered redundant. Taking into account the fact that the adoption of the digital system has cut down the workload across the different departments, the government has mandated in its notice that those personnel who are not required in their posts should be  transferred to other departments where their services can be put to use.  

In addition, the order issued by the chief secretary requires all concerned departments to take all possible steps to reduce expenses. They have been directed to reduce the use of stationery, cut down on travel, and refrain from spending on furniture, calendars, diaries and greeting cards. In addition, restrictions have been imposed on publicity and advertising expenses as well as foreign trips. 

Other expenses, such as purchase of vehicles by departments will only be allowed for security purposes. All workshops, seminars and training programmes, which were earlier held in hotels will now be held within government buildings.