Rajya Sabha Chairman M. Venkaiah Naidu today held the first meeting with senior officials of the Secretariat since coming into force of the nationwide lockdown on 25th of March. During the one hour long meeting, several issues were discussed and progress on the same was reviewed. The norm of physical distance was strictly followed in the meeting. Mr. Naidu wanted to know the details of expenditure reduction plan required to be prepared as was directed earlier.<br />'' <br />'' Secretary General Desh Deepak Verma informed that saving of 60 crore rupees has already been identified against the annual budget of 423 crore rupees for the Secretariat for 2020-21. He further said that a total saving of 80 crore rupees is<br />'' <br />'' being targeted as the Financial Year progressed. The austerity measures identified include deferring of purchase of vehicles, keeping on hold international travel and training of officials, not undertaking fresh recruitment for this Financial Year and increased use of e-office to save on stationary.<br />'' <br />'' Mr. Naidu also directed strict monitoring of expenditure to increase savings in view of economic slowdown and decline in the revenues of the Government. Mr. Naidu  observed that in view of the extension of lockdown till 17th of this month, the decision to hold meetings of the Department Related Standing Committees and other Committees of the House will be taken later. Regarding vacancies in the Rajya Sabha, it was  informed that as against the total strength of 245,there are 20 vacancies at present. These vacancies include 18 for which elections were deferred.<br />'' <br />''Regarding oath taking by the 38 Members who were recently elected unopposed, it was decided that oath will be administered to them inside the Chamber of the Rajya Sabha after the lockdown, if feasible before the next Session so as to comply with the norm of physical distance with their family members likely to attend.<br />