CLP adopts austerity measures

Shillong, Jun 23 (UNI) Facing a financial crunch, the Congress Legislature Party in Meghalaya has decided not to buy luxury cars for the use of legislators and officers.

This decision was taken at the first CLP meeting chaired by Chief Minister J D Rymbai late last night in presence of Congress MLAs who discussed the use of luxurious vehicles by legislators and officers in view of the state government's deteriorating financial position.

''The state is facing financial crunch and we have to restrict the use of extra expenditure to the basic minimum,'' said CLP Secretary Charles Pyngrope, adding that a lot of money has been spent on purchasing luxurious vehicles.

Mr Pyngrope, however, said except the Chief Minister, Deputy Chief Minister and Speaker, other legislators and officers can use Ambassador cars, Maruti Esteem, Hyundai Accent and Tata Indica.

''Mrs Sonia Gandhi and the President of India are using only Ambassador cars. Then why can't the government here follow the same?'' the CLP Secretary asked.

Mr Pyngrope said the CLP also wanted the legislators and officers to stick to one vehicle, which is bought from the government exchequer.

UNI RRK PL VD DS1438