Mumbai, May 14: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged citizens to conserve energy, utilize public transport, promote indigenous products, and avoid unnecessary expenses. In line with this, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has made a significant decision.
During a crucial cabinet meeting on Thursday, Chief Minister Fadnavis issued specific directives to all ministers. They have been instructed to immediately reduce their vehicle convoys by half. Additionally, no official or legislator will be allowed to travel with a convoy under any circumstances. The Chief Minister also advised against using special aircraft and helicopters for travel.
Fadnavis emphasized that all ministers should commit to using public transport at least one day a week. He has also called for a review of the number of vehicles used by office staff, aiming for a reduction. Furthermore, district and department-level officials are encouraged to participate in meetings via video conferencing instead of being summoned to Mumbai or other locations. Departments have been instructed to avoid hoardings, banners, and extravagant decorations.
Previously, the Maharashtra government announced several important measures for various departments. Proposed initiatives include a ban on foreign travel, increased use of public transport, energy conservation, promotion of natural farming, and conducting meetings through digital platforms.
A government circular signed by Chief Secretary Rajesh Agrawal stated that foreign trips for government officials will be temporarily canceled, and they are advised against planning new trips. The decision also includes reducing vehicle usage and promoting carpooling, public transport, and electric vehicles. Senior officials are encouraged to travel by metro, local trains, or buses at least once a week.
The government has decided to enhance the use of video conferencing for ministerial, departmental, and district-level office functions, emphasizing online meetings, training sessions, and seminars. Universities and colleges have also been asked to comply with these directives.
To conserve energy, offices will utilize natural light, turn off unnecessary lights and equipment, and maintain air conditioning systems at temperatures between 24 to 26 degrees Celsius. The government will also expedite solar energy projects under the ‘Prime Minister Surya Ghar’ scheme.
To conserve fuel, the government will approve pending proposals to reduce the use of petrol and diesel while promoting the use of PNG gas. Hotels and restaurants in major cities, including Mumbai, will be encouraged to adopt PNG.
To reduce the use of cooking oil, changes will be made to the menus of government canteens, anganwadis, hospitals, and hostels. The use of peanut and mustard oils will be promoted over palm and soybean oils. Awareness will also be spread through ASHA and anganwadi workers. An initiative will be launched to promote natural, organic, and bio-farming by reducing reliance on chemical fertilizers. Guidance will be provided based on soil testing to align crops accordingly, with a focus on preventing fertilizer misuse.
Additionally, the police department will not permit vehicle processions and bike rallies. Limits will also be set on government advertisements and extravagant activities. All administrative departments are instructed to avoid hiring consultants for the next six months. Strict compliance with these directives is expected from all departments, district collectors, municipal corporations, and government officials and employees.
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My name is Bhupendra Singh Chundawat. I am an experienced content writer with several years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including technology, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
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