Prime Minister Narendra Modi has significantly reduced his convoy size, days after he made an appeal for austerity and urged citizens to curb the use of fuel-driven vehicles. The move has prompted several BJP chief ministers to similarly adopt measures and cut their respective vehicle fleets.
Modi’s convoy size was reduced in Gujarat and Assam immediately after his speech in Hyderabad, during which he suggested an array of austerity measures. Sources said the prime minister also asked for electric vehicles to be included in his convoy, wherever possible, without making new purchases.
Taking a cue, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has directed an immediate 50 per cent reduction in the fleet of vehicles accompanying the chief minister and ministers, and urged people to cut fuel consumption and avoid unnecessary gold purchases in view of the prevailing global situation.
(Photo courtesy: MyGovIndia)
Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma similarly directed that the use of his convoy be minimised and unnecessary vehicles should not be used, especially for security purposes.
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has also announced limits on official vehicles used by ministers, MLAs and other public representatives. She further urged Delhi residents to adopt carpooling and make greater use of buses and metro services instead of private vehicles in view of the prevailing global energy supply uncertainty.
Meanwhile, Kerala has reportedly become the first state where fuel outlets have introduced restrictions on bulk sales amid the economic fallout of the West Asia conflict. Customers will be allowed to purchase a maximum of 200 litres of diesel and petrol worth up to Rs 5,000 per person.
