CM Tells Citizens To Join Energy, Fuel Saving Drive Amid Global Uncertainty
Public representatives and government officials would lead by example by voluntarily adopting fuel-saving and cost-cutting measures: Reports
VIJAYAWADA: Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Thursday called for a study on the scope for extending the work-from-home practices in government departments. This, as part of a broader push towards austerity and energy conservation aimed at supporting the nation during critical times.
Chairing a cabinet discussion on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call for savings and prudent expenditure, the chief minister said the state government would launch an awareness campaign titled “My Nation – My Responsibility” to promote austerity among citizens and public representatives alike.
Calling upon the citizens to actively participate in a large-scale savings and conservation drive under the slogan “My Nation, My Responsibility,” housing minister Kolusu Parthasarathy said the state government has initiated several such steps in view of the prevailing global war-like situation and economic uncertainties.
Addressing the media at the secretariat in Amaravati, the minister said public representatives and government officials would lead by example by voluntarily adopting fuel-saving and cost-cutting measures. The CM, he said, has issued clear directions during the cabinet meeting to implement conservation initiatives across departments.
Parthasarathy said measures being considered include reducing the number of vehicles in official convoys, conducting meetings virtually, observing “No Vehicle Friday” once a week, and encouraging greater use of electric vehicles and solar energy. He urged citizens to voluntarily embrace similar practices in daily life.
The minister said exports of bananas, paddy, agricultural and horticultural produce could face adverse impact from the war, while imports of oil, gas and fertilizers such as urea could become costlier.
The government would promote the purchase of EVs for official use, increase EV charging stations and encourage walking and cycling as eco-friendly alternatives.
Ministers and officials may also participate in “cycle-to-secretariat” initiatives once a week to inspire the public, he proposed.
Parthasarathy said educational institutions may be encouraged to observe two “No Vehicle Days” every week, while universities and large institutions can give stress on online classes. The government is also examining the feasibility of introducing work-from-home options for certain departments twice a week.
The minister urged people to prioritise domestic tourism and locally manufactured products over foreign travel and imported goods. He also appealed for restraint in gold purchases, stating that large-scale gold imports were draining valuable foreign exchange reserves.
He advised households to install rooftop solar panels under the Surya Ghar scheme and farmers to reduce chemical fertilizer usage by resorting to nano and organic fertilisers.
