Restrictions on conducting government seminars, training programs at luxury hotels

Thiruvananthapuram: The finance department has barred government departments and government aided institutions from conducting lavish seminars and training programs at luxury hotels in the state. The decision has been taken as part of the cost cutting measures of the state government. Kerala is going through a deep financial crisis at the moment. 

The finance department accused various government departments of wasting money by opting for star hotels to host work-related events. From now on, the departments have been asked to make use of public facilities for conducting seminars and training programs. The departments and institutions were asked to rely on each other in case they needed additional facilities.

Relaxation on such rules will be granted by the respective department secretaries only in exceptional cases. 

Meanwhile, if government officials are found guilty of wasting public money at lavish events, the money will be recovered from their personal account with interest.