Prez takes 30% pay cut, announces austerity measures to aid virus fight

NEW DELHI: President Ram Nath Kovind has decided to take 30 per cent salary cut for himself besides announcing a slew of other austerity measures to aid the government's fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

The domestic tours and programmes of the President will be substantially reduced in order to follow social distancing restrictions and minimise expenditure, according to a Rashtrapatibhavan communique issued on Thursday.

The consumption during ceremonial occasions such as At-home ceremonies and state banquets will also be minimised by keeping smaller guest lists, reducing the food menu and lesser usage of flowers and other decorative items, it said.

Kovind has also decided to defer purchase of the Presidential

Limousine which was to be used for ceremonial occasions.

“The existing resources of the Rashtrapatibhavan and the government will be shared and used for such occasions,” the communique said.

The repair and maintenance work in the Rashtrapatibhavan will be minimised to only ensure proper upkeep of assets.

There will be substantial reduction in the use of office consumables. For instance, the Rashtrapatibhavan will use e-technology to cut down the use of paper to avoid wastage and make the office ecofriendly, the communique said.

“Efforts will be made to save energy and fuel by rationalising their usage,” it said.

The President has given instructions to the Rashtrapatibhavan to set an example by economising the expenditure, making optimal usage of resources, and dovetailing the saved money to combat COVID-19 and mitigate the people's economic plight, the communique said. Meanwhile, President Ram Nath Kovind will not ride the brand new Rs 10 crore limousine that was to be procured for his use at the next Republic Day parade. And the text time Rashtrapati Bhavan hosts a state banquet, the usually lavish spread will pruned to avoid any semblance of opulence.