To curtail government expenditure, a circular signed by Minister of Finance Dr. Mohamed Shafeeq has mandated that any government office seeking to spend more than USD 2273 must obtain prior permission from the Ministry of Finance. The circular also outlines additional measures to manage government spending efficiently.
The circular explicitly instructs government offices not to create new posts without the finance ministry's approval and refrain from altering salary structures without clearance from the National Pay Commission. Employee promotions are also subject to prior approval from the finance ministry.
Moreover, the circular outlines reductions in various areas, including travel expenses, office supplies and services, training, and expenditures related to the Public Sector Investment Programme (PSIP) of government ministries.
A deferral of expenditure is urged, with essential spending being the only exception. Expenditures below USD 2273 must be processed through the Goods and Services form of the Bandeyri portal, subject to Finance Executive approval. Expenditures exceeding USD 2273 require explicit approval from the finance ministry.
The circular emphasises the compliance of all government offices with these directives. Furthermore, councils are urged to enhance expenditure efficiency by meeting block grant and own revenue fund objectives.