Jaipur: In response to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's call to conserve fuel amid rising global tensions and uncertainty in West Asia, the Rajasthan government is preparing a series of measures to reduce fuel consumption and encourage more responsible vehicle use across the state.
Proposed Measures for Fuel Efficiency
The proposed measures are expected to focus on greater use of electric vehicles (EVs), public transport, and carpooling by ministers, MLAs, and government officials. The state government is considering introducing a 'No Vehicle Day' at least once a week to minimize unnecessary fuel usage.
Postponement of GRAM-2026
On Friday, Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma postponed the Global Rajasthan Agritech Meet (GRAM-2026), originally scheduled from May 23 to 25 at the Jaipur Exhibition and Convention Centre. The event was expected to attract farmers, agritech experts, and entrepreneurs from across the country and abroad. Sharma stated that the decision was made to reduce fuel consumption in travel and logistics. He emphasized that the state government is also promoting virtual meetings and restrained vehicle use, noting that 'small savings together can make a big difference.'
Chief Minister's Directives
Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma has instructed officials to minimize avoidable travel and unnecessary deployment of vehicles. In a symbolic move, Sharma has decided to reduce the size of his convoy. 'I have decided to reduce the number of vehicles in my convoy. All officials and public representatives in the state should also ensure economy in vehicle usage and avoid unnecessary deployment of vehicles,' the Chief Minister said.
Departmental Plans for Fuel Saving
According to sources, departments have been asked to prepare plans for implementing fuel-saving measures in the coming days. Officials stated that the government wants to promote practical steps that can gradually reduce fuel consumption without affecting administrative work. 'The idea is to encourage responsible habits. If meetings can happen virtually, unnecessary travel can be avoided. If public transport or EVs can be used, that should be encouraged,' a senior official said.
'No Vehicle Day' Initiative
Under the proposed 'No Vehicle Day' plan, government employees and officials may be encouraged to avoid using official or personal vehicles once a week and instead opt for public transport, cycling, walking, or carpooling wherever possible.
Guidelines for Official Convoys
Officials said the government plans to issue guidelines to reduce the number of vehicles in official convoys and limit non-essential travel by departments.
Background
The move follows Prime Minister Modi's appeal to citizens and public representatives to reduce petrol and diesel consumption by adopting fuel-saving practices such as public transport, carpooling, work-from-home arrangements, and electric mobility.
Rajasthan Governor Haribhau Bagde has also appealed to people to voluntarily minimize vehicle usage and support fuel conservation efforts.
