UP Minister takes e-rickshaw to office following PM Modi's push to save fuel
New Delhi, May 29
Following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's appeal to conserve petrol and diesel, Uttar Pradesh Finance Minister Suresh Khanna on Friday travelled to his office in the Assembly in an e-rickshaw along with his staff, promoting the use of electric mobility and fuel conservation.
The move comes amid a wider push by the Centre and BJP-ruled states to encourage reduced fuel consumption, greater use of public transport, and adoption of electric vehicles in view of global economic uncertainties and pressure on petroleum supplies.
Speaking to reporters, Suresh Khanna said, "Under the expectation of the Hon'ble Chief Minister, and I believe it is the responsibility of every citizen of the country, it is our duty as citizens that in this current crisis and pressure on petroleum products, we should minimise their use. Today, we have arranged an electric vehicle; I will go to the office in this and return in the same. This is especially the result of the appeal of the Hon'ble Prime Minister and Chief Minister, and we are following their directions as it is necessary..."
The development follows Prime Minister Modi's recent appeal urging citizens and public representatives to cut down on fuel consumption and spend resources more judiciously. As part of the initiative, the Prime Minister has also significantly reduced the size of his convoy, signalling a broader message on efficiency and responsible use of resources.
In line with the Prime Minister's call, several BJP leaders and state governments have initiated similar measures. Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has announced restrictions on the use of official vehicles by ministers, MLAs, and other public representatives. She also appealed to residents of the national capital to adopt carpooling and make greater use of public transport systems.
Earlier, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath directed a 50 per cent reduction in the vehicle convoys of the Chief Minister, ministers, and other dignitaries.
During a high-level meeting in Lucknow, CM Yogi urged people to reduce the use of petrol and diesel to help preserve foreign exchange reserves. He also appealed to citizens to follow the Prime Minister's message by limiting unnecessary fuel consumption and avoiding non-essential gold purchases.
On May 11, Prime Minister Modi reiterated his appeal for reduced fuel use, greater adoption of public transport and electric vehicles, and prudent spending amid ongoing global economic uncertainties linked to the West Asia crisis, which has disrupted supply chains and fuel markets.
— IANS
Reader Comments
This is great symbolism, but I wish they'd also focus on making e-rickshaws safer and more accessible for common people. My daily commute costs ₹150 in auto — I'd switch to electric if the infrastructure was better. Hope this initiative goes beyond photo ops and leads to real policy changes for EV adoption.
Watching in Gujarat — our CM also cut convoy size by 50%. But let's be honest, for ordinary citizens like us, the real issue is exorbitant taxes on petrol and diesel. Instead of symbolic gestures, reduce the excise duty and cess. That would actually help us save money. Still, appreciate the effort to promote EVs. 🌱
I'm an expat living in Bangalore, and this is refreshing to see. Back home in the UK, we have similar initiatives but nowhere near this level of political commitment. If India can scale this — better public transport, EV charging stations everywhere — it could be a game-changer for both the environment and the economy. Good first step, India! 🇮🇳
Honestly, I am skeptical. How many ministers will actually do this daily? It's easy to take an e-rickshaw for one day for cameras. If they truly want to save fuel, why don't they mandate that all government officials use carpooling or EVs? Also, the ₹1 lakh crore we spend on fuel imports could be saved if we invested in solar and wind. Talk is cheap, action is needed. 🤷
This is wonderful — reminds me of my grandfather who used to say "पैस
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.