New Delhi:
The Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee has clarified just what he means by austerity measures which ministers are expected to follow.
According to the minister, there has been a misunderstanding on just what it is that he meant.
He said he had only asked for curbs on first and business class domestic travel and only indicated austerity measures for MPs to the Speaker.
Pranab said pay cuts would be applicable to Congress workers and members of other parties were welcome to take their own decisions.
The minister also said there was no harm in hosting foreign dignitaries in five-star hotels. He, however, maintained that there are other conference venues like Vigyan Bhawan, Hyderabad House for conferences.
Financial advisors of ministries would decide on austerity measures.
Meanwhile, senior Congress leader Union Power Minister Sushilkumar Shinde joined the debate on government's austerity drive, saying, "Yes our leadership has asked us to observe norms. I have booked an economy class ticket for my return to Delhi."