Odisha CM issues 8-point directive to cut fuel use amid West Asia crisis
Bhubaneswar, May 21
In view of the fuel crisis triggered by the conflict in West Asia, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Thursday issued eight directives to significantly reduce the use of petrol and diesel in government offices across the state.
According to the Chief Minister's Office (CMO), CM Majhi also directed Chief Secretary Anu Garg to take appropriate measures to reduce the use of petrol and diesel across government departments.
Majhi directed the authorities to ensure the conduct of various official meetings, review sessions, training programmes, and workshops in virtual mode unless physical presence is absolutely necessary.
As per the instructions, in cases where in-person attendance is essential, only those officers and employees whose presence is required will attend physically, while others will participate virtually.
CM Majhi also directed that from June 1, 2026, onwards, all newly purchased two-wheelers and four-wheelers for government offices must be electric vehicles (EVs).
"Permission to purchase petrol or diesel vehicles will only be granted under special circumstances. Likewise, all four-wheelers hired on a rental basis for government offices from June 1 onwards must also be EVs," the Chief Minister directed.
The CM instructed that senior officers who have been allotted government vehicles for personal official use have to adopt carpooling.
Accordingly, the fuel allocation for such vehicle usage will also be reduced by half.
The Finance Department will issue guidelines within 15 days specifying which categories of senior officers will be eligible to use government vehicles on a personal basis.
Officials and employees have been instructed to use buses or trains for transportation while travelling to distant locations on official duty.
Meanwhile, the Finance Department has been directed to formulate guidelines regarding the use of personal electric vehicles owned by officers for official purposes.
The Chief Minister also stated that electric buses or mini-bus services will be arranged for government employees commuting from areas with a high concentration of staff members.
All government offices have been asked to take well-planned measures to ensure at least a 10 per cent reduction in monthly petrol and diesel consumption for government vehicle operations.
The Chief Minister has directed strict implementation of these guidelines across all levels of government, from the State Secretariat to sub-divisional offices, tahasil and block-level offices, as well as in all government undertakings, institutions, universities, and committees across the state.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Finally, some real action on the ground! Making EVs mandatory for new government vehicles from 2026 is a bold step. But we need charging infrastructure in every block office first, na? Otherwise, officers will just get exemptions for 'special circumstances' and business as usual continues.
As someone who worked in a state government in the US, I can say this is impressive. The carpooling and 50% fuel cut for senior officers is something most governments avoid because of egos. Hope Odisha implements it strictly. Also, electric buses for employees is a great idea—reduces traffic and pollution.
Good intentions, but implementation is key. Our government offices have a history of issuing orders that gather dust. The 10% monthly reduction target is good, but who will monitor it? The Finance Dept guidelines in 15 days should include a real-time tracking system. Also, using trains/buses for distant travel is fine, but what about safety for women employees? 🚺
Great to see Odisha taking the lead on fuel conservation. But one concern: why only from June 2026 for EVs? That's a long timeline. Many private companies have already switched to EV fleets. Also, the carpooling rule for senior officers is a masterstroke—many of them use vehicles for personal errands anyway. Let's see if it's enforced equally for all! 😅
I'm impressed that a state government in India is taking such proactive steps. In many Western countries, fuel conservation measures only come after a crisis hits. The virtual meeting mandate alone could save crores. But I'm curious
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