Austerity measures.

IN a state of peak upheaval, where the country is facing trouble on three fronts - economic, political and terrorism-related chaos - the government announced an austerity drive aimed at reducing government expenditure by 15 per cent.

This involved requiring all federal officials to forgo salaries and privileges, and to pay their utility bills out of their own pockets. Luxury vehicles have been done away with, staying at five-star hotels has been prohibited, and the import of luxury items for government officials has been banned. Among other things, virtual meetings have been prioritised over in-person meetings that may save travelling and allied costs.

These measures are great. At least they sound logical. Having said that, are these meagre reforms a solution to the incumbent mess? This...