The Mizoram government has issued a set of austerity and fuel-conservation measures, including work from home for 20% of staff in every department, effective from Thursday. The directive was outlined in an Office Memorandum (OM) issued by Sudhir Kumar, principal secretary of the general administration department (GAD). The state said these steps follow the Prime Minister's appeal amid the West Asia crisis.
Details of the Measures
According to the OM, 20% of the workforce in each department will work from home. Administrative heads and heads of departments will prepare duty rosters to ensure essential public services are not disrupted. Work from home will not apply to departments delivering medical and emergency services, water supply, power supply, disaster response, transport services, and law and order duties.
Staggered Working Hours
Government offices in Aizawl will shift to staggered working hours to reduce time spent in traffic and fuel consumption. The first group will work from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, and the second group from 10:30 am to 6:30 pm.
No Official Vehicle Day
The state will observe a "No Official Vehicle Day" every Wednesday to cut fuel expenditure. Officers and staff have been encouraged to walk or use public transport on that day. The OM also mentioned a voluntary reduction in the official convoy size of the Chief Minister, ministers, and other dignitaries.
Restrictions on Travel
Departments have been asked to hold meetings with field offices through video conferencing as far as possible to reduce travel and fuel use. Foreign travel, inter-district travel within Mizoram, and official travel outside the state will be restricted to the bare minimum and undertaken only when absolutely necessary.
Reason Behind the Measures
The OM attributed the move to disruptions linked to the West Asian conflict, stating it has led to a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping lane through which nearly 20% of the world's fuel supply passes, pushing energy prices higher. It noted that India imports more than 85% of its crude oil, and prolonged disruptions are beginning to impact the country. The OM emphasized, "It is imperative for the people of the country to conserve fuel, reduce avoidable expenditure and minimise dependence on imported products in view of the ongoing West Asia crisis and the resultant rise in global crude oil prices and disruption of supply chains."
Temporary Nature
The OM said the measures are temporary and aimed at supporting the national effort to limit the economic impact of the global situation. The government of Mizoram decided to enforce economy and fuel conservation measures until further orders in a number of sectors, considering the geographical remoteness of the state and the high transportation costs borne by it.
