KATHMANDU: The Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers has directed all government bodies to adopt austerity measures in public spending by avoiding the purchase of new materials except in urgent cases.

Issuing a circular to all ministries, commissions, secretariats, offices, agencies, provincial governments, and Offices of the Chief Ministers and Councils of Ministers, the Prime Minister’s Office urged them not to procure unnecessary items.

The circular instructed office heads to repair and continue using existing materials, tools, equipment, furniture, and vehicles as much as possible, while controlling new purchases.

“Except for highly essential needs, offices are requested to avoid purchasing new materials and instead keep existing items such as chairs, cabinets, sofas, carpets, curtains, flower pots, computers, mobile phones, and laptops in usable condition and continue using them, while practicing austerity in public expenditure,” the circular stated.