New Delhi/Bhopal, May 14 Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Thursday announced a series of austerity and energy-saving measures across ministries under his charge, saying the decisions were taken in response to PM Modi's appeal for fuel conservation, self-reliance, and reduction in unnecessary expenditure.
Chairing a high-level meeting of officials from the Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Rural Development, Indian Council of Agricultural Research, and the Department of Land Resources, Chouhan directed departments to prepare a detailed action plan within two days to implement fuel-saving, cost-cutting, and efficiency-enhancing measures.
"One of the key messages given by PM Modi is to save energy, reduce unnecessary expenditure, and adopt practices that strengthen the country economically. Keeping that in mind, these decisions have been taken in the national interest," Chouhan said in a statement on Thursday.
As part of the measures, the Union Minister announced that his official convoy would now consist of only three vehicles. He described the move as both symbolic and practical in reducing fuel consumption and avoidable expenses.
Chouhan also asked officials to examine the feasibility of introducing a 'work from home' system without affecting administrative efficiency.
He suggested a rotational attendance model under which employees handling similar work could attend the office on alternate days.
Departments were also instructed to encourage carpooling among employees to minimise fuel use and traffic congestion.
In another major decision, Chouhan said unnecessary foreign travel by officials should be avoided, and maximum use of virtual meetings should be encouraged.
Domestic tourism and local travel were promoted as alternatives to overseas visits.
The minister also stressed strengthening the 'Vocal for Local' and 'Make in India' initiatives by promoting indigenous products and brands in official programmes and meetings.
Local food items and coarse cereals, including millets, will be prioritised during training sessions and government events.
Under the 'Khet Bachao Abhiyan', the Ministry will launch a nationwide campaign promoting balanced use of chemical fertilisers and expansion of natural farming.
'Khet Bachao Committees' will be formed in villages, while farmers will be encouraged to dedicate a part of their land to natural farming.
Chouhan also called for reducing non-essential expenditure and said awareness campaigns would be launched to promote responsible consumption of edible oils and other resources.
"These decisions have been taken in the interest of the nation and the public, and to strengthen the resolve of building a 'Viksit Bharat'. Every department and every employee should contribute to this campaign," Chouhan added.
- IANS
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