Sikkim CM walks to official event as state rolls out fuel-saving measures
Gangtok, May 18
In a symbolic yet strong message on fuel-saving, minimising unnecessary expenses and responsible governance, Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang on Monday walked nearly 14 minutes from his official residence at Mintokgang to Manan Kendra to attend an official function, coinciding with the state government's formal rollout of measures related to conservation of fuel.
The move comes in response to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's appeal for disciplined governance, efficient utilisation of public resources and economic prudence.
According to an official statement, the Chief Minister's decision to walk instead of using an official convoy was intended to demonstrate that measures related to fuel savings must begin with leadership and personal conduct rather than remain limited to administrative directives.
The statement said Tamang had similarly attended the Sikkim Kalakar Bharosa Sammelan couple of days ago on foot and interacted with citizens during the commute.
"The gesture was not merely symbolic, but a strong and inspiring message to the people of Sikkim that leadership must begin with personal discipline and action," the government said.
As part of the new measures, the state government has announced a 50 per cent reduction in the Chief Minister's motorcade.
Odd-even vehicle regulations will also be implemented for both government and private vehicles, while taxis and emergency services will remain exempted.
The Home Department had already issued a notification regarding the measures on May 14.
Government departments, autonomous bodies, public sector undertakings and other state institutions have been directed to ensure efficient utilisation of government assets and minimise fuel consumption.
Officials and government employees have also been encouraged to use public transport wherever possible, avoid unnecessary vehicle usage and rely more on virtual meetings and digital coordination.
They have additionally been advised to walk for nearby meetings and official engagements whenever feasible.
The state government said the measures are aimed at promoting efficiency, accountability and disciplined governance while ensuring optimum use of public resources.
The Chief Minister's action, officials said, underlines the state government's commitment to translating the Centre's call for fuel savings and cutting down unnecessary expenses into visible administrative practice and public participation.
— IANS
Reader Comments
This is how to be eco-friendly without creating problems. The odd-even scheme exemption for taxis and emergency is smart. If our Canadian politicians tried this, they'd probably drive electric cars paid by grants and still waste fuel. 😅
While I appreciate the gesture, let's not get carried away. Walking 14 minutes is good, but what about long-term solutions like better public transit and electric vehicle subsidies? Hope this isn't just a PR stunt before elections. Still, better than most leaders.
In Kerala we see ministers fly to events in helicopters. This Sikkim CM walking to Manan Kendra is a lesson in humility. The 50% cut in motorcade is huge - shows he's serious. Every state should copy this. Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan, Jai Sikkim! 🇮🇳
As someone from the UK, I remember when our public figures did this. Now it's all security convoys. This is genuine leadership. Odd-even in a small state like Sikkim - interesting experiment. Hope they monitor air quality changes properly.
This should be national news! A CM walking for 14 minutes to an event - the media is too busy with Bollywood. Sikkim government's focus on virtual meetings and digital coordination is the way forward. Even in Bengaluru, we waste hours in traffic. 👏👏
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