Mumbai: All ministers and bureaucrats in Maharashtra should travel by public transport, including Metro, at least once a week initially, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced on Wednesday. This push to use public transport comes after Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged citizens to reduce petrol and diesel usage and opt for public transport.
Reduction in Convoy Vehicles
The number of vehicles in the convoys of ministers, including that of the CM, will be reduced by half with immediate effect. For all outstation travel, the local police commissioner or superintendent of police will be responsible for ensuring that the number of vehicles does not exceed the prescribed limit.
Ban on Foreign Tours and Official Aircraft
The CM also clarified that ministers and officials are not to undertake any foreign tours. Ministers have been directed to avoid using government aircraft and helicopters when not essential, and instead use regular airline services.
High-Level Meetings
Fadnavis held two high-level meetings at the Sahyadri state guesthouse, attended by the chief secretary and the director general of police. Governor Jishnu Dev Verma also initiated steps to rationalize the size of his official convoy. He directed the state home department to review existing security arrangements related to his convoy and assess the feasibility of reducing the number of vehicles deployed. In a letter to Manisha Mhaiskar, additional chief secretary (home), the governor's secretary stated a desire for reassessment of the current threat perception and examination of measures to optimize convoy deployment for energy conservation.
Video Conferencing and Hoarding Restrictions
At the meetings, Fadnavis said ministers and officials must increase the use of public transport, such as Metro. In the first phase, this exercise will be carried out for at least one day a week. He also suggested using video conferencing instead of summoning officials to physical meetings. A strict review of government vehicles will be conducted. For energy conservation, stringent action will be taken against unnecessary hoardings and flex boards, and decorative lighting will be banned.
Response to Opposition
Responding to the opposition's criticism over the PM's call, Fadnavis said that given the global crisis, Modi made suggestions to ensure the country's economy does not get derailed. "If the opposition does not wish to follow the PM's suggestions, it should at least desist from ridiculing them. It is the responsibility of every individual to make an effort to implement these suggestions," he said.
