The Punjab government has initiated a large-scale crackdown against the unnecessary and unauthorized use of official vehicles, issuing strict instructions to all departments to ensure compliance within a short timeframe.
Authorities have directed that all surplus government vehicles must be returned within two weeks, while officers will only be allowed to retain vehicles strictly according to their approved entitlement.
Two-Week Deadline for Returning Extra Vehicles
Under the new directives:
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Departments must identify surplus vehicles
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Extra vehicles must be returned within 14 days
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Officers exceeding their entitlement will face action
The move is aimed at reducing government expenditure and improving transparency.
Mandatory Log Book Introduced
To closely monitor vehicle usage, the government has made the log book system mandatory.
Each log book must include:
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Travel details
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Purpose of journey
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Fuel consumption records
Officials have warned that incorrect or false entries may lead to:
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Suspension of vehicle facility
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Recovery of expenses from the officer concerned
Emergency Use Requires Prior Approval
For emergency use of government vehicles, prior approval from the head of the department will now be mandatory.
Additionally, a Deviation Committee has been established to review special cases related to vehicle entitlement, ensuring that exceptions are not misused.
Monitoring Officers to Be Appointed in Every Department
Each department has been instructed to:
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Nominate a dedicated officer for vehicle monitoring
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Ensure compliance with usage rules
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Regularly review vehicle records
Furthermore, prior approval from the Finance Department has been made mandatory for the purchase of any new government vehicle.
Project Vehicles to Be Returned After Completion
The government has also ordered that vehicles assigned to development projects must be:
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Returned to the transport pool
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Handed back immediately after project completion
This step aims to prevent long-term misuse of project-based vehicles.
Shift Toward Electric and Hybrid Vehicles
In a forward-looking move, the Punjab government has decided to prioritize electric and hybrid vehicles for future purchases, signaling a push toward cost efficiency and environmental sustainability.
Cabinet Members Face New Restrictions
Under the revised policy:
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Cabinet members and advisers will only be provided vehicles
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Approval must come from the Additional Chief Secretary
This measure underscores the government’s intent to apply rules across the board, without exceptions.
A Step Toward Accountability
Officials believe the crackdown will help curb wasteful spending, promote discipline within departments, and ensure responsible use of public resources.
