The State Government has resolved that no government departments or associated offices should operate from private buildings from now on. Officials have been asked to act quickly to shift all such offices into government-owned buildings by December 31. "No rental payment for government offices housed in private buildings will be made from February 1 next year," said an official circular. This directive applies even to departments that pay rent from their own funds or grants, including those supported by central schemes. The circular warns, "The administrative head concerned shall ensure that no rental is paid for government offices housed in private buildings. In case of deviation, the administrative head will be personally held responsible." The circular also stated, "This shall be treated as priority." Senior officials said the move comes ahead of the budget estimates for the next financial year. The government spends large sums yearly on rent for private offices. Cutting this expense could save a lot for the state treasury. The decision is backed by the fact that many large government buildings have extra space. After Andhra Pradesh vacated offices following the 2014 bifurcation, these spaces have been largely empty. These include buildings like Parishram Bhavan, Gagan Vihar Complex, BRK Bhavan, and Errum Manzil. "A major chunk of this office space has been lying vacant and under lock and key ever since the A.P. Government shifted its offices to Amaravati," a senior official told The Hindu. Some buildings are caught up in court cases as they were leased to others after being vacated. The Telangana Government has raised objections, and the matter awaits court decisions. With the December 31 deadline set, departments must quickly identify suitable government space and prepare to move out from private buildings by the end of the year.