
The Delhi government has announced two days of work from home (WFH) for its offices. The decision has been taken in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeal appeal for careful spending, reduced waste and responsible use of fuel.
Delhi Government's fuel-saving steps include:
Under the new plan, all Delhi government employees will work from home for two days every week. In addition, 50% of official meetings will now be conducted online to reduce travel and save fuel.
The government and the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) will also change office timings. This move aims to reduce traffic during peak hours and lower fuel consumption. Officials said the changes will help improve traffic flow in the city.
To promote public transport, the government will observe a ‘Metro Day’ and encourage citizens to follow a 'No Car Day' once every week. Special efforts will also be made to increase awareness about fuel saving through a public campaign.
The government has decided to reduce the use of official vehicles. Petrol limits for officers have been cut by 20%, lowering the monthly cap from 200 litres. No new vehicles will be purchased for the next six months.
To support staff, 58 special buses will operate across 29 government colonies to encourage public transport use.
The move comes at a time when the Centre has been encouraging steps to reduce the use of petrol and diesel. The appeal is linked to the need for careful resource use in the current national and global situation.
Officials say the decision is meant to support fuel saving and better efficiency in government work.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi had earlier called for reducing unnecessary expenses and saving fuel. His appeal comes in the context of global developments and the need for careful use of resources.
The message focuses on lowering petrol and diesel consumption wherever possible. It also encourages online meetings and virtual communication instead of unnecessary travel.
Government departments have been asked to review their working patterns to support this goal.
Central Employees’ Forum Calls For Clear Guidelines
Following the Prime Minister’s call, an association of central government employees has requested the Centre to issue proper guidelines on work from home.
The Central Secretariat Service (CSS) Forum has asked the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) to provide clear rules for WFH, online meetings, and virtual conferences in government offices.
The forum said that structured guidelines would help offices work smoothly. It also said that the Prime Minister’s leadership would support the success of this initiative.
In a post on social media platform X, the forum urged the government to consider revival of work from home in both government and private sectors. It stated that the central workforce plays an important role in running government functions.
The CSS Forum represents officers who work in the central secretariat. These officers are considered the backbone of the administrative system.
In Mumbai, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis also spoke about the need to follow the Prime Minister’s advice.
He said that everyone should try to reduce the use of petrol, diesel, and other resources wherever possible. He added that his government has already reduced convoy size and cut down on unnecessary usage.
To support the message, he said he travelled on a motorcycle to show practical support for the initiative. He explained that the aim is to spread awareness among people about saving fuel and using resources wisely.
The recent announcements show a focus on responsible use of energy and better management of government work.
Work from home, online meetings, and virtual conferencing can help reduce travel, save fuel, and lower costs. Officials believe these steps can also improve productivity if used properly.
The government and employee groups are now discussing how to apply these measures in a structured way.
After PM Modi's appeal for wise spending and fuel conservation, several BJP-led states have announced new steps to reduce fuel use and government expenses. The measures focus on cutting convoy sizes, promoting public transport, encouraging work from home, and reducing unnecessary travel.
The decisions have been taken in response to rising global energy concerns and the need to protect foreign exchange reserves.
Uttar Pradesh: Convoy Cuts And Weekly No Vehicle Day
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has ordered a 50% reduction in convoy vehicles. He also instructed officials to remove unnecessary cars from official movement.
Ministers, MPs, and MLAs have been asked to use public transport at least once a week and observe a weekly “No Vehicle Day.”
Half of all internal departmental meetings will now be held online. Industries and start-ups have been encouraged to allow work from home for at least two days a week.
Schools have been advised to promote bus travel, cycling, carpooling, staggered office timings, and the use of electric vehicles.
Citizens have also been asked to reduce electricity use, avoid decorative lighting after 10 pm, limit edible oil consumption, and postpone non-essential foreign travel for six months.
Maharashtra: Restrictions On Official Travel
In Maharashtra, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has directed that ministers cannot use aircraft for official travel without his approval, except in extreme emergencies.
Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule said many departmental meetings are already being conducted online.
Fisheries Minister Nitesh Rane has instructed officials to shift to virtual meetings and prioritise electric vehicles over petrol and diesel vehicles.
Bihar: Support For Austerity And Reduced Convoys
In Bihar, Deputy Chief Minister and JD(U) leader Vijay Kumar Chaudhary said the entire country should support the Prime Minister’s appeal for austerity. He also announced that the number of vehicles in his convoy will be reduced by half.
Building Construction Minister Leshi Singh appealed to women to avoid buying gold for one year.
Science, Technology and Technical Education Minister Sheela Mandal said she will travel using only one vehicle.
Delhi: Focus On Public Transport And Reduced Vehicle Use
Other than the WFH order announced today, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta earlier asked ministers, MLAs and departments to reduce official vehicle use and encourage carpooling.
She promoted greater use of the Metro and buses, especially amid global energy uncertainty linked to international conflicts.
Gujarat: Reduced Convoys And Green Practices
In Gujarat, Governor Acharya Devvrat will avoid air travel for in-state events.
Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi have reduced convoy sizes, and some ministers have removed escort vehicles completely.
Universities have been instructed to observe at least one “Chemical Engine Free Day”, promoting bicycles, electric vehicles, and public transport. Officials have also been told to avoid unnecessary travel.
Rajasthan: Smaller Convoys
Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma has reduced his convoy to five vehicles and banned unnecessary cars during official movements.
Madhya Pradesh: Fewer Vehicles In Convoy
In Madhya Pradesh, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has reduced his convoy from 13 vehicles to eight. The state has banned vehicle rallies during official tours and advised ministers to use fewer vehicles and prefer public transport.
Several senior BJP leaders, including JP Nadda, Amit Shah, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, have also reduced their convoy sizes.
The Prime Minister has significantly reduced the size of his convoy during recent visits to Gujarat and Assam, while maintaining all required Special Protection Group (SPG) security arrangements.
He has also directed officials to include electric vehicles in official convoys wherever possible, without making any new purchases.
(With inputs from agencies)
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