The Union Finance Ministry has directed specific ministries and departments to restrict expenditure within 20 per cent of the Budget Estimate for FY22 in the upcoming July-September quarter, in view of the Covid-19 situation. The concerned departments which would come under the revised guidelines include Ministry of Civil Aviation, Department of Commerce, Department of Consumer Affairs, Ministry of Culture, Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology among others.

The official memorandum circulated by the Department of Economic Affairs said: "The existing guidelines for expenditure control have been reviewed. Keeping in view the evolving situation arising out of Covid-19 and anticipated cash position of government, it is felt essential to regulate Quarterly Expenditure Plan/Monthly Expenditure Plan of specific ministries/departments for Quarter 2." It added that ministries and departments are advised to observe the guidelines strictly and regulate the expenditure accordingly in the current fiscal and any deviation from the guidelines would require prior approval from the Finance Ministry.