Amit Shah reduces convoy size to less than half following PM Modi's appeal for fuel conservation amid West Asia crisis
New Delhi, May 13
Union Home Minister Amit Shah has reduced the size of his convoy to less than half following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "seven appeals" for responsible fuel consumption amid the West Asia crisis.
The reduction in the number of vehicles in the Home Minister's convoy has been implemented as part of a broader effort within the government to promote efficient use of resources while maintaining all mandatory security arrangements.
The development comes shortly after Prime Minister Modi significantly reduced the size of his own convoy during recent domestic visits to Gujarat and Assam while retaining all essential security components mandated under Special Protection Group (SPG) protocols.
Sources said the Prime Minister's decision was implemented immediately after his speech in Hyderabad, where he urged citizens to contribute towards economic resilience by reducing dependence on imported fuel and adopting environmentally sustainable alternatives.
Following the Prime Minister's appeal, Amit Shah also decided to reduce the number of vehicles accompanying his convoy without compromising security protocols.
In another step aimed at promoting sustainability, PM Modi has also directed officials to include Electric Vehicles (EVs) in his convoy wherever feasible, without making any fresh purchases.
Addressing a gathering in Secunderabad earlier this week, Prime Minister Modi stressed that patriotism in present times extends beyond guarding the country's borders and also includes responsible conduct in daily life.
"Patriotism is not only about the willingness to sacrifice one's life on the border. In these times, it is about living responsibly and fulfilling our duties to the nation in our daily lives," the Prime Minister had said.
Highlighting the impact of global disruptions and rising fuel costs, PM Modi appealed to people to reduce petrol and diesel consumption by increasingly using public transport, car-pooling and electric vehicles.
The Prime Minister also urged citizens to reduce edible oil consumption to lower import dependence and called upon farmers to cut the use of chemical fertilisers and move towards natural farming practices.
"The same is true for edible oil. We have to spend foreign currency on its import. If every household reduces the use of edible oil, it is a huge contribution to patriotism," PM Modi had said.
— ANI
Reader Comments
While I appreciate the symbolism, I hope this isn't just for the cameras. We need consistent policy changes, not just photo ops. Also, urging households to reduce edible oil use is a bit tone-deaf when cooking oil prices are already sky-high.
Absolutely brilliant move. PM Modi's seven appeals are practical and patriotic. Every drop of fuel saved is a step towards self-reliance. Jai Hind! 🇮🇳
Interesting to see this from an international perspective. In the US, we just increase oil production during crises. But India's focus on conservation and EVs is commendable. The edible oil point is especially smart given India's import dependence.
Let's be honest, most of us won't reduce edible oil usage, but we can definitely start carpooling or using EVs. The government should also improve public transport infrastructure in smaller cities. Good gesture nonetheless. 😊
This is what true leadership looks like. Not asking others to sacrifice while you live lavishly. Reducing convoy size, using EVs without new purchases—these are small but powerful steps. We need more such initiatives from all ministries. 👏👏
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