Measures for rationalising expenditure are being taken and the ministries are cooperating fully as they understand the problem, Darwish bin Ismail Al Balushi, Minister Responsible for Financial Affairs, told reporters in Muscat.
Measures have been taken and will be taken to cover the budget deficit as deficit takes place every year, he added.
“These measures would continue as the current situation requires everyone to join hands as covering the deficit is a joint responsibility,” he said.
“Efforts to rationalise expenditure are going on,” he continued.
The minister denied that any secrecy was being maintained on the measures to rationalise expenditure saying that statements are issued every now and then and meeting are organised.
Moreover, all officials involved in government affairs are briefed on the steps taken by the government to boost non-oil revenues or rationalise and cut government expenses.
The minister added that focus is on enhancing the efficiency of expenditure.
The Ministry of Finance revises the expenses of the government and its units, and monitors expenditures at these units.
Based on such monitoring, the Ministry of Finance issues a number of circulars to urge and encourage these units to limit expenditure on unnecessary items.
‘The measures taken by the government are clear and tangible, and the relevant agencies are well aware of them,” he explained.