India Fights COVID-19: President Kovind Takes 30% Salary Cut

New Delhi: As part of austerity measures to support the Union government’s fight against the Covid-19 pandemic, President Ram Nath Kovind will take a 30 per cent salary cut.

According to a Rashtrapati Bhavan communique issued on Thursday, the Indian President’s domestic tours and other programmes will be substantially reduced to ensure social-distancing norms and minimise expenditure as the country battles the deadly novel coronavirus outbreak on a war footing.

Following are the other measures to be adopted by Rashtrapati Bhavan:

a) Consumption during ceremonial occasions like state banquets will be minimised by keeping guest lists smaller, reducing food menu and lesser usage of flowers and other decorative items.

b) Presidential Limousine, which was to be used for ceremonial occasions, deferred.

c) Repair and maintenance work in Rashtrapati Bhavan to be minimised so as to only ensure proper upkeep of assets.

d) Rashtrapati Bhavan not to take up any new capital work in the current fiscal; only ongoing works will be completed.

e) Substantial reduction in the use of office consumables; e-technology to be used to cut down use of paper and make the office eco-friendly.

f) Efforts to be made to save energy and fuel by rationalising usage.