Ministers, bureaucrats should travel in economy class: Mukherjee

New Delhi, Sep 11 (ANI): In a clear and firm message Union Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee said on Friday that ministers and bureaucrats who are entitled to travel on state expenses should undertake domestic travel in economy class.

Mukherjee said that they could fly in business class for international travel.

"The austerity measures are not new and have been in the standing instructions of the Finance Committee since 2005, but have not been adhered to till now," Mukherjee said.

Mean while, according to a report published by the Indian Express that the matter was raised in the Thursday's cabinet meeting, and several minister's raised objection to Mukherjee's suggestion and also sought clarifications.

Mukherjee, also said the Congress will implement a 20 per cent salary cut for its MPs and will request the Speaker to suggest the same to other parties also.

The austerity measures are needed to tide over these recessionary times, Mukherjee said. (ANI)