Sun, 17 May 2026
Rajasthan News Updated May 17, 2026 · 14:47

Rajasthan Dy CM Diya Kumari Backs PM Modi's Austerity Push as 'Remarkable'

Rajasthan Deputy CM Diya Kumari praised PM Modi's appeal for austerity as a "remarkable step forward." She emphasized the collective responsibility to conserve fuel amid the West Asia crisis. Kumari set an example by traveling by train to Ajmer and engaging with passengers. PM Modi had urged citizens to cut fuel consumption, use public transport, and adopt Swadeshi products.

'Remarkable step forward': Rajasthan Dy CM Diya Kumari on PM Modi's austerity push

Jaipur, May 17

Rajasthan Deputy Chief Minister Diya Kumari on Sunday said that is the "collective responsibility" of every one to conserve fuel to address the current geopolitical situation triggered by the West Asia crisis.

"I feel that it is the collective responsibility of all of us to address the current geopolitical situation. In a way, I view this as a global crisis--one that requires us all to come together. If we collectively make an effort to conserve fuel, I believe it will make a significant difference," she told ANI.

Kumari also referred to the Prime Minister Narendra Modi's appeal for austerity measures would turn out to be a "remarkable step forward" in case these are implemented in true letter and spirit.

"Our Prime Minister has also issued an appeal to the entire nation, urging us to utilise public transportation as much as possible, engage in carpooling, use bicycles, walk, and take various other measures. As public representatives, our responsibility is even greater. I believe everyone should participate to the best of their ability. PM Modi has not mandated this as a strict requirement; rather, he has offered it as a suggestion... Moreover, the measures suggested by PM Modi are inherently beneficial in every respect--for the environment, for our health, and in every other way. If we were to adopt these practices regularly, making them an integral part of our daily routine and lifestyle, it would truly be a remarkable step forward..."

Diya Kumari on Sunday traveled by Indian Railways to Ajmer and engaged in "heartfelt conversations" with fellow passengers to "understand their thoughts and experiences", mesaage on her X said.

"Embracing the inspiring call of the successful Prime Minister, the honorable Shri @narendramodi ji for "Nation First," she added.

Earlier, PM Modi urged citizens to prioritise work from home, cut fuel consumption, avoid foreign travel for a year, adopt Swadeshi products, reduce cooking oil use, shift to natural farming and curb gold purchases, while addressing a gathering.

To combat the volatility of fuel prices, PM Modi urged a shift in how India moves. He requested citizens to reduce petrol and diesel consumption by using the metro and public transport wherever available, opting for carpooling when private vehicles are necessary, preferring railway transport for the movement of goods, and increasing the use of electric vehicles wherever possible.

— ANI

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Reader Comments

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Priya S
I appreciate the sentiment, but asking people to cut cooking oil use and avoid foreign travel seems a bit tone-deaf when many are struggling with basic inflation. The rich can afford to fly anyway—so this austerity push might only pinch the middle class who already budget tightly.
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Vikram M
Actually, Diya Kumari ji makes a valid point. The West Asia crisis is affecting global fuel supply chains. If Indians can conserve petrol/diesel even by 10-15%, it reduces our import bill and strengthens the economy. Carpooling and cycling are practical suggestions for cities with decent infrastructure, at least.
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Sarah B
Interesting to see a state leader embrace this so publicly. I moved to India from the US two years ago, and the public transport here is often underutilized by the affluent. Maybe this push could actually shift cultural habits—imagine if more people used metro instead of cars in Delhi or Mumbai!
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Rohit P
The part about buying Swadeshi products is what got me—it's not just about fuel, but supporting local artisans and small businesses. If we all cut foreign travel and spend that money on Indian textiles or handmade goods, it could create lakhs of jobs. But yes, the government should ensure quality standards too. 😊
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Ananya R
I love the idea but it's hard to carpool when public transport is unreliable in tier-2 cities. My office is 25 km away and buses are overcrowded—I don't have a choice but to drive. Before asking citizens to sacrifice, maybe improve the basics first? Just my two paise.

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