Itanagar | May 14, 2026
NE Headlines Bureau
In a significant move toward administrative minimalism and fiscal discipline, the Arunachal Pradesh Cabinet, led by Chief Minister Pema Khandu, announced a series of sweeping austerity measures on Thursday. The decisions aim to optimize state expenditure and respond to the national call for responsible resource consumption.
Key Austerity & Cost-Cutting Measures:
Convoy Reduction: Official convoys of the Chief Minister, Deputy CM, and other ministers have been slashed by 50% with immediate effect.
Foreign Travel Ban: A total ban on foreign travel for ministers and government officials has been imposed for the next year.
Virtual-First Policy: Official meetings will prioritize virtual platforms to reduce travel-related drain on the state exchequer.
Vehicle Procurement: A freeze has been placed on the purchase of new vehicles, except for essential emergency services.
Digital Transformation: Subordinate and circle offices are mandated to adopt 100% paperless e-office systems by March 2027.
Energy Efficiency: AC temperatures in all government buildings must be maintained at 24°C or above to lower power consumption.
Significant Policy Updates:
Beyond austerity, the Cabinet approved the Arunachal Pradesh Public Examination Rules, 2026, to strictly prevent question paper leaks and malpractice. Additionally, the state will implement a modernized e-ILP system featuring QR-code verification and Aadhaar-based authentication to tighten entry regulations.
