Lucknow, May 13: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has called on cabinet members to use public transport at least once a week. This initiative aims to foster a culture of frugality, energy conservation, and responsible governance. He also urged ministers to reduce their vehicle fleets by up to 50 percent.
In a recent cabinet meeting, the Chief Minister directed all ministers and senior officials to avoid foreign travel for the next six months, except in unavoidable circumstances. His directives aim to enhance the accountability and resource sensitivity of the administration.
CM Yogi emphasized that fuel conservation is not just an economic necessity but also a national responsibility, referencing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call to minimize petrol and diesel consumption. He urged the Uttar Pradesh cabinet to set an example in this regard.
He encouraged ministers to use metro, buses, e-rickshaws, carpooling, or bicycles on designated days to send a positive message to society and inspire the public. He stressed the importance of maximizing digital and virtual methods in governance, recommending that inter-district meetings, training programs, and legislative committee meetings be conducted in hybrid modes whenever possible.
The Chief Minister also instructed the use of air conditioning and elevators in government offices based on necessity, recommending that AC temperatures be maintained between 24 to 26 degrees Celsius and promoting the use of natural light. Additionally, he advocated for public transport, rail travel, and carpooling, suggesting that institutions with over 50 employees adopt a ‘work from home’ policy at least two days a week.
Yogi highlighted energy conservation and environmental balance as priorities for the government, directing the expansion of solar energy use and public awareness campaigns to residential colonies, schools, and colleges. He called for a new policy to promote electric vehicles and a clean, energy-efficient transport system.
He also encouraged frugality in social events and the promotion of the local economy, suggesting that domestic venues be prioritized for weddings and other ceremonies to curb unnecessary expenses and boost local employment. Emphasizing the ‘Vocal for Local’ mantra, he advised ministers to use locally produced items as gifts.
The Chief Minister pointed out that the state has a rich array of quality local products under the ‘One District, One Product’ scheme, which should be prioritized. He instructed that PNG connections be preferred over LPG cylinders and called for immediate policy changes to facilitate this. He also emphasized connecting commercial LPG users to PNG.
Focusing on minimizing the use of imported goods, he advocated for the promotion of oilseed production, natural farming, and balanced use of chemical fertilizers. He urged for increased public awareness to reduce edible oil consumption and discouraged unnecessary gold imports while calling for a movement to conserve rainwater.
At the meeting’s outset, the Chief Minister formally introduced the new ministers, stating that public representatives bear the highest accountability within the government, as the public evaluates their actions daily.
He noted that a representative’s conduct sends the most significant message to the public. Addressing the newly appointed ministers, he stressed the responsibility they hold, especially with upcoming assembly elections on the horizon, and the need for them to deliver exceptional performance in a short time.
He advised the new ministers to maintain communication with senior and experienced colleagues to learn and develop effective work styles. He also instructed cabinet ministers to seek the opinions of their state minister colleagues on departmental policy matters.
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