New Delhi, September 10: The issue of austerity measures came up at the meeting of the union cabinet with ministers seeking clarification on the economy drive launched by the government.
The issue came up for an impromptu discussion when the cabinet gave its approval to hike the Dearness Allowance for central government employees from 22 per cent to 27 per cent.
Cabinet sources said Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar sought to know what sort of reception he should organise for his foreign counterpart on an official visit here who had hosted him time back.
Another minister pointed out that the External Affairs Minister and the Commerce Minister travel abroad frequently on official business suggesting that there should be laxity in austerity guidelines for them.
In a lighter vein, another minister remarked that if the airline upgrades an official travelling economy class as the aircraft is empty, it should be considered as a commercial decision.
It was clarified that official dinners could be organised appropriately but conferences by government departments and ministries should not be held in five-star hotels.
The ministers said they would abide by the guidelines issued by the Finance Ministry.
—Agencies