Fadnavis Orders Austerity Drive, Halves Ministerial Convoys

Mumbai: In response to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call for fuel and foreign exchange conservation, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Wednesday announced a series of austerity measures aimed at reducing government expenditure and energy consumption. The decisions were taken during two high-level meetings chaired by the Chief Minister and attended by the Chief Secretary, Director General of Police and senior state officials.

Under the new directives, the number of vehicles in the convoys of the Chief Minister and all ministers will be halved with immediate effect. Police commissioners and superintendents of police in the concerned districts and cities will be responsible for ensuring that convoy sizes do not exceed the prescribed limits during official tours.

Officials said the Chief Minister directed all ministers and bureaucrats to avoid foreign visits until further orders. Ministers have also been advised to refrain from using government aircraft and helicopters except in emergencies, and instead opt for regular commercial flights.

“Ministers and senior officials have been advised to use public transport such as metro services. They have also been asked to use public transport for at least one day as part of the initiative,” officials said.

The Chief Minister also instructed all departments to conduct meetings through video conferencing instead of summoning officials physically. A review of government-allotted vehicles will also be undertaken to ensure strict compliance.

Apart from this, the state government will intensify action against unnecessary hoardings and flex boards to conserve energy. “We will also ensure that decorative lighting is not used at such places,” officials said.

A senior state government source said foreign tours of senior officials, including principal secretaries, additional chief secretaries and secretaries, have been stayed from May 14. “All state-funded foreign tours, as well as tours sponsored by foreign countries, have been stayed by the Chief Minister,” the source said.

Speaking to reporters, Mr Fadnavis said that during global crises, the Prime Minister’s appeal for fuel and foreign exchange conservation should be viewed in a positive spirit.

“We are witnessing difficult conditions in many countries across the world. Several countries have imposed lockdowns. In some countries, petrol prices have reached Rs 400 to Rs 500 per litre, while in others fuel is not available. Despite the global crisis, India’s economy remains on track and the country will not face any problem. In view of this, the Prime Minister suggested certain measures,” Mr Fadnavis said.

“If opposition parties do not wish to adopt or implement these measures, they should at least not make fun of them. It is the responsibility of every citizen to implement these measures,” he added.

Mr Fadnavis said the state government has taken several steps to conserve foreign exchange, including reducing the number of vehicles in official convoys and curbing avoidable expenditure.