From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji
 
Panaji, Jun 9: Goa’s Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar has began austerity measures, starting from himself, to control the government expenses so as to make up for the huge financial liability left back by erstwhile Congress-led government.

“The first austerity measure was through security. I have refused the huge, unnecessary security cover, which has saved state of Rs 10 lakh monthly,” Parrikar said, who has been going around with single personal security Officer (PSO).

The Manohar Parrikar government has also reduced security cover to the ministers and legislators, which was expensive affair during former Digambar kamat led government.

The chief minister also travels in economy class during his visit outside the state and stays in the state-government run guest houses in the respective cities.

“When I have started, everyone will follow austerity,” he said, when asked whether officers would be asked to fly by economy class ticket in the airplane.

Parrikar said that he had inherited financial liability of Rs 800-900 crore, of which he has already cleared Rs 650 crore through bills due in various departments. “They had left with the huge financial liability but I have kept the financial health of state pink like a youth,” the chief minister added.