NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged his ministers to adopt car pooling when traveling from the same location to a common destination, according to sources. The remark was made during a Union Cabinet meeting where many ministers arrived in separate vehicles.
This comes after the PM previously requested trimming his own security convoy and suggested ministers reduce their vehicle fleets, aligning with the government's appeal for citizens to use public transport to cut petrol and diesel consumption.
A source aware of the discussion said, "The PM's message was clear – ministers must practise what they preach." Most ministers have since pruned the number of escort vehicles.
Modi also encouraged ministers to increase engagement with citizens, praising Telecom Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia for his recent interactions with the public. During a visit to Sikkim, Scindia impressed locals with his fluency in Nepali.
The impact of the PM's observation was evident on Wednesday, when some ministers of state traveled together in one car to attend a virtual Pragati meeting chaired by Modi. Following the PM's appeal, BJP ministers across states have either reduced their vehicle fleets or opted for buses and metros. However, adherence has been challenging; a deputy CM of a BJP-governed state recently requested a seven-seater vehicle to return to the state capital.
