PM Modi Orders 50% Convoy Cut to Save Fuel Amid Global Crisis

SPG Asked to Increase Use of EVs

The Prime Minister has also asked the Special Protection Group (SPG) to increase the use of electric vehicles (EVs) in his convoys but not by buying any new cars. According to recent reports, the SPG has started following this directive and has kept intact the mandatory safety protocols outlined in the 'Blue Book'.

Yogi Adityanath Follows PM’s Austerity Call

During a Union Cabinet meeting chaired by the Prime Minister, he reportedly asked his ministers that they must be thrifty and cut down spending of resources consciously due to the West Asia crisis.

Sources said the Prime Minister had appealed to the ministers to cut down the number of vehicles accompanying them as well as their trips abroad and some ministers did respond to the appeal.

Following in the footsteps of the Prime Minister, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has also asked for the fleet of vehicles in his entourage as well as ministers to be cut by 50 percent immediately.

BJP-led States Begin Cost-Cutting Measures

The cost-cutting drive is being followed by the BJP-led states. Ministers like Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma and Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav are among others who have also decided to cut down the number of vehicles used in their convoys.

The trend is seen to be a step towards fuel conservation and administrative austerity following a recent appeal made by the Prime Minister for the people to minimise unnecessary travel and national spending.

Modi Appeals to Save Fuel and Forex Reserves

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had asked the people on Sunday to participate collectively to navigate global economic challenges and supply chain problems, inflation among other things.

Modi also appealed to the people not to buy gold for one year, so that they do not put pressure on foreign exchange out flows, and advised them not to travel abroad.

He said that maintaining forex reserves was a part of patriotism, and appealed to people not to plan foreign holidays and international weddings and instead promote tourism within the country.