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Ministries, state institutions directed to report back on vehicles and office space
The Government has directed ministries, departments and state institutions to prepare a report on their vehicle fleet and office space in a move to draw up a new scheme regarding vehicles and office space.
The Finance Ministry has conveyed the directive to ministries and state institutions following a directive from Presidential Secretary P.B. Jayasundara.
The ministries are expected to report back in two weeks’ on the availability of luxury and normal vehicles, the status of the vehicles, the current users of the vehicles and if any repairs are required.
“After the reports are received the information will be sent to the President’s office where a plan will be drawn up on the allocation of vehicles including those to be used by cabinet and state ministers,” a senior Finance Ministry official said.
He said the decision has been made to curtail the number of vehicles used by ministers and officials to reduce expenses.
“The additional vehicles will be placed under the Finance Ministry and will be released only when there is a requirement by a ministry or department,” he said.
The officials said the Government also had decided not to import any vehicles next year.
The ministries also have been told to report back on the use of office space in view of some ministers holding more than one portfolio.
“The ministers will be required to make the space available of other ministries and state ministries if they have additional space,” the official explained.
He said ministries would not be permitted to rent new buildings, buy new furniture or refurbish existing offices.
The Management Audit Department will be entrusted to monitor whether the directives are being implemented.