Heads of departments, who were earlier entitled to the old government war-horse, the Ambassador car, would now be given a choice between the Ambassador, the Maruti Swift Dzire (diesel) or the Tata Indigo (diesel).

The spokesperson explained that the petrol, oil and lubricant expenses on Ambassador cars were high due to the petrol engine. Besides, the vehicles gave low mileage of 9 km per litre of petrol.

The Swift Dzire or the Tata Indigo besides running on cheaper diesel gave a mileage of of over 15 km per litre.

No cuts have been announced for the chief minister, deputy chief minister and other ministers in the state government.

Besides using expensive SUVs (Monteros and Pajeros), the chief minister and the deputy chief minister have a cavalcade of vehicles following them at all times, including jammer-fitted security vehicles. Both are in the Z-plus security cover category.