Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary on Friday walked from his official residence to the state secretariat, responding to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's appeal for austerity and reduced fuel consumption. The move is aimed at setting an example for government officials and the public.
Walking to Work
In a tweet, Choudhary shared a picture of himself walking, stating that he was following the Prime Minister's call for public servants to reduce unnecessary travel. He wrote: 'Respected Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji's call to public servants to walk from residence to secretariat...' The image showed him on a footpath, dressed in a simple kurta-pyjama.
Video Conferencing Directive
Earlier, Choudhary had announced that all state government departments have been directed to hold meetings through video-conferencing to minimise travel requirements. This step is expected to save time and reduce the carbon footprint of government operations.
The Chief Minister's gesture has been widely appreciated on social media, with many users praising his commitment to austerity. However, some opposition leaders questioned the effectiveness of such symbolic acts, arguing that the government should focus on larger policy changes to reduce fuel consumption and promote sustainability.
Bihar has been facing a financial crunch, and the state government has been taking several measures to cut down on unnecessary expenditures. The walk by the Chief Minister is seen as a morale-boosting step for his cabinet colleagues and government employees.
