Winning Bizness Desk
Mumbai. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeal to save fuel, cut unnecessary spending and adopt simpler public habits is now reflecting across several states and government departments. From reduced VIP convoys to ministers travelling in metros, e-rickshaws and electric scooters, governments have started taking visible steps to promote austerity and conserve national resources during challenging times.
The biggest visual change was seen in the Prime Minister’s own convoy. Earlier, around 8 to 10 vehicles accompanied his movement, but on Wednesday only two vehicles were seen. One vehicle carried the Prime Minister, while the second had SPG personnel and security staff. Soon after, Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma also ordered a reduction in convoy vehicles. Earlier, his convoy had around 14 to 16 vehicles, but during his Delhi visit on Wednesday, only five vehicles accompanied him.
Leaders across states begin visible austerity measures
Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s convoy was also reduced to four vehicles. Union Health Minister JP Nadda reportedly cut the number of vehicles in his convoy by half. Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi even cancelled his planned US visit after the Prime Minister’s appeal.
Key developments include:
- VIP convoys being reduced in several states
- Ministers using metro, e-rickshaw and electric scooters
- Government meetings shifting to virtual platforms
- Appeals for lower fuel and electricity consumption
In Delhi, Education Minister Ashish Sood travelled from INA to Karkardooma Court by Metro and later used an e-rickshaw to reach CM Shri School at Surajmal Vihar for an official programme.
Madhya Pradesh limits VIP convoy movements
The Madhya Pradesh government has also imposed restrictions on VIP convoys and government rallies during official tours. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, who receives Z+ category security, earlier travelled with a convoy of 13 vehicles. Under the new order, only eight vehicles will now accompany him during local visits in Bhopal.
The move quickly influenced other officials and ministers as well. Energy Minister Pradyumn Singh Tomar travelled from his government residence to Panchanan Bhavan on an electric scooter. Meanwhile, Madhya Pradesh High Court Justice DD Bansal cycled nearly three kilometres to reach the High Court.
The state government believes such symbolic measures can encourage common citizens to reduce unnecessary fuel consumption and adopt eco-friendly transport options in daily life.
UP pushes virtual meetings and work-from-home
The Uttar Pradesh government announced seven major decisions aimed at reducing fuel usage and administrative expenses. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath directed that convoys of ministers, MLAs and senior officers be reduced by 50%. He also suggested that once every week, officials should use public transport such as buses and metros.
The government further decided:
- All seminars, workshops and conferences will be virtual
- Half of Secretariat meetings will shift online
- Large companies may adopt two work-from-home days weekly
- Citizens should observe one “No Vehicle Day” every week
The Chief Minister also appealed to people to reduce decorative lighting, save petrol, diesel and electricity, and minimise wasteful spending wherever possible.
PM urges citizens to delay luxury spending
Prime Minister Modi had made these appeals during recent events in Vadodara on May 11 and Hyderabad on May 10. He urged citizens to use metro services, electric buses and carpooling instead of unnecessary private vehicle use. He also appealed to people to postpone gold purchases and avoid foreign travel for some time in national interest.
The Prime Minister further advised citizens to:
- Reduce edible oil consumption
- Move towards natural farming
- Cut dependence on chemical fertilisers
- Avoid unnecessary international trips
In Maharashtra, minister Ashish Shelar also announced he would skip the Cannes Film Festival in France this year. He said departmental spending would be reduced and official meetings would increasingly move to virtual platforms. However, support for Marathi films participating in the festival would continue through online coordination if required.
