Govt Tweaks Funds To Fight Virus War

Cuts spending limit for ministries not on frontline as revenue is falling short

The finance ministry on Wednesday imposed spending restrictions on some ministries and departments as it faces a fund crunch due to a decline in revenue caused by the coronavirus crisis.

According to the new expenditure plan, ministries and departments like health and family welfare, pharmaceuticals, food, and public distribution and AYUSH, which are on the frontline in the fight with the deadly coronavirus, will get adequate funds in accordance with their allocations in the Budget. However, others such as fertiliser, post, road transport, petroleum, commerce, and coal will come under spending cuts as under the current emergency situation they are not considered as important.