Goa Guv takes 30% salary cut, to pare down Raj Bhavan expenses

Panaji: In a cost-cutting move amid an economic slowdown due to the coronavirus scare, Goa Governor Satya Pal Malik on Friday decided to take a 30 per cent cut in his annual salary, while also introducing measures to economise on Raj Bhavan expenses.

The measures include whittling down expenses on floral arrangements, illumination and office consumables.

“The Governor of Goa has given instructions to the Raj Bhavan for economising on expenditure and making optimal use of resources, apart from taking the decision to forgo 30 per cent of his salary for the 2020-2021 fiscal,” a Raj Bhavan statement said.

Other steps include reduction in office consumables by 20 per cent, curtailing floral arrangements for day-to-day functions and ceremonial events, reducing invitee list for ceremonial functions by 25 per cent, shrinking catering and power use during home functions, state banquets, and other ceremonial events.

“The Raj Bhavan will also strive to incur expenditure of 80 per cent of its overall budget this fiscal, thereby saving 20 per cent as an austerity measure,” the statement said.

“The Governor is of the view that this will be a small but significant contribution towards combating COVID-19 and mitigating the plight of the people,” the statement added.