Govt’s austerity drive: PM leading by example

Pallavi Ghosh and Diptosh Majumdar, CNBC-TV18

Charity begins at home. After appealing to the nation, that austerity was the need of the hour - Prime Minister Manmohan Singh is reducing his own official expenses.

Dr Manmohan Singh has decided to shed baggage; after all in times of inflation and elections, he has to show the way to his ministers. On the day fuel hike happened, Prime Minister appealed to the people to cut costs It was a message to his ministers as well.

Some like Ambika Soni, Mani Shankar Aiyar said 'Yes Prime Minister,' the Prime Minister clearly wants more.

In an election year, the Prime Minister is keen that ministers understand the need for austerity. Knowing that it many not be all that easy, the PM has begun by setting an example.

As a first step, he has decide to reduce the size of his entourage travelling abroad with him. The first reduction will happen when the PM flies out to Tokyo to attend the G-8 summit in a few days from now. The Prime Minister has asked the PMO (Prime Minister's Office) to reduce the number of officials, ministers  and security personnel accompanying him, without compromising his security.

With every indication that international crude prices will go up, the Prime Minister also wants petrol for every government vehicle to be rationed. A circular to this effect will be made ready shortly. Dr Singh is also expected to unveil a public awareness drive on energy conservation"

But can ministers used to lal battis and lavish lifestyle,  be austere?

Manish Tiwari, Spokesperson, Congress says, “They have to do it - it's the need of the hour. After all Prime Minister is setting an example.”

Not just the PMO - even the party has had to put a halt to its ambitious publicity plans as a run up to elections; publicity blitz will be restricted largely to state units. It's much hyped Chintan Shivir to chalk out its poll strategy will be low key. All this, with both the Prime Minister and Sonia Gandhi hoping that someone in their party bites the bait.