Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
The Maharashtra government on Thursday cancelled a provision that allowed an additional 10 per cent increase in construction rates for works in tribal-dominated areas. The move is part of its wider policy to promote the economy and curb expenditure.
In an order issued on Thursday, the Public Works Department said the provision under the State Schedule of Rates 2022-23 for assuming an additional 10 per cent increase in rates for construction works in tribal-dominated areas was being “completely cancelled”. The government said the same schedule of rates will now apply to works in tribal areas as in general areas.
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The decision followed a meeting of top bureaucrats and ministers, where it was observed that the existing facilities in tribal areas, along with the government’s policy of economy, did not justify the additional provision in construction estimates. The government then consulted the Tribal Development Department, which also agreed that there was no need to assume the extra 10 per cent in estimates for tribal-dominated areas.
Accordingly, the PWD directed that the State Schedule of Rates be applied to construction works in tribal areas in the same manner as for works in general areas. The move is part of a broader exercise by the Maharashtra government to reduce expenditure across departments.
Earlier, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had also introduced cost-cutting steps from his office, including cutting by 50 per cent the number of vehicles in the convoy of the chief minister and ministers.
During official tours and outstation visits, convoys have been restricted to the prescribed limit, with the concerned police commissioners and superintendents made responsible for ensuring compliance.
The government has also cancelled proposed foreign tours of ministers and senior officials and directed departments not to plan new overseas visits. Ministers have been advised to avoid special aircraft and helicopters except for urgent official work, and to use regular commercial flights instead.
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SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
