Rajasthan govt directs efficient use of public resources; bans foreign travel, mandates EV-shift

The Rajasthan government has issued a circular outlining measures to enforce fiscal discipline, including a ban on foreign travel at state expense and promoting electric vehicles for official use.

Imposing a ban on foreign travel at government expense, mandating a shift to electric vehicles and restricting use of official cars, the Rajasthan government has issued a slew of directions to enforce fiscal discipline and ensure efficient management of public resources, according to an official circular.

The finance department, in its circular, outlined steps to rationalise expenditure, including limiting the number of vehicles used by ministers and officials and promoting electric mobility.

New vehicles for city use will be exclusively electric, while preference will also be given to EVs in hired transport.

A complete ban has been imposed on foreign travel at state expense, and officials have been encouraged to adopt car-pooling when travelling to the same destination.

The circular also mandates that all government events be held in government buildings and meetings be conducted through video conferencing as far as possible to cut costs.

To strengthen digital governance, departments have been directed to ensure the use of e-office and e-file systems, replacing physical correspondence with digital platforms such as the Raj-Kaj portal. Training programmes are to be conducted mainly online through platforms like iGOT Karmayogi.

The government has also stressed adoption of sustainable practices, asking departments to promote rooftop solar installations under the PM Surya Ghar scheme and encourage natural and organic farming.

Campaigns will also be undertaken to reduce excessive use of urea and ensure balanced fertiliser consumption.

The circular said administrative secretaries and heads of departments will be responsible for implementing these directives, which will also apply to state-run bodies, universities and aided institutions. Exceptions may be granted by the finance department under special circumstances.