NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has directed a reduction in the number of vehicles in his convoy as part of an austerity measure aimed at minimizing fuel consumption. By cutting down his own Special Protection Group (SPG) security entourage, his move has encouraged other government officials to follow suit.
Background of the Austerity Drive
This decision follows the Prime Minister's appeal for reduced fuel and gold consumption during a public rally in Hyderabad, amid concerns related to the US-Iran conflict and rising energy costs. The number of vehicles in his convoy was significantly reduced during his visits to Gujarat and Assam.
Union Ministers and State Leaders Take Action
Union Home Minister Amit Shah
Union Home Minister Amit Shah downsized the number of vehicles in his convoy by less than half.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh reduced his convoy size to nearly half, following PM Modi's appeal.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath directed an immediate 50 percent reduction in the fleet of vehicles for the Chief Minister, ministers, and other officials. He wrote on X: "MPs, MLAs, and public representatives should use public transport for one day a week. The use of public transportation, cycling, carpooling, and electric vehicles should be encouraged."
Maharashtra State Government
Maharashtra mandated that state ministers must seek approval from Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis' office to use government aircraft, aiming to curb unnecessary air travel.
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta also decided to limit the number of vehicles used for departmental work. She stated: "I and all my Cabinet colleagues, all MLAs of the Bharatiya Janata Party, public representatives, officers of the Delhi government, and all departments will also use the minimum number of vehicles as required and prioritize carpooling and public transport."
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav
Mohan Yadav, the Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, said his cavalcade will have the minimum number of vehicles required for security, and there will be no vehicle rallies during tours.
Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma
Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma instructed all officials and public representatives, including the Chief Secretary, to minimize convoy vehicle use. He emphasized: "The focus is on reducing fuel consumption by avoiding unnecessary travel and promoting more economical use of petrol and diesel."
Gujarat Governor Acharya Devvrat
Gujarat Governor Acharya Devvrat announced that he will travel within Gujarat using public transport such as trains and State Transport (ST) buses, instead of helicopters and flights. He also reduced the size of his official convoys. An appeal has been made to universities, government officers, and citizens across Gujarat to promote bicycles, electric vehicles, public transport, indigenous products, and natural farming.
Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi
Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi cancelled his visit to the United States, citing the PM's appeal to cut fuel usage and avoid non-essential foreign travel.
Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Chaudhary
Bihar Deputy Chief Minister and senior JD(U) leader Vijay Kumar Chaudhary, along with two other ministers, Leshi Singh and Sheela Mandal, said they would undertake measures for the same. Chaudhary stated: "I have personally reduced the number of vehicles I use by half. I will undertake official travel only when necessary."
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