Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reportedly asked the Special Protection Group (SPG) to reduce the number of cars used in his convoy by 50 per cent. The prime minister has also asked the elite security corps to increase the use of electric cars in his fleet. Amid the global energy crisis due to the West Asia war, the steps are largely seen as an attempt towards cutting government expenditure and promoting austerity. PM Modi had earlier advised the citizens to avoid buying gold and limit their foreign visits.
Along with conserving government resources, the initiative will also serve as an example for cabinet ministers and officials. The SPG has already begun complying with this directive, reported Jagran.com. The size of the prime minister's convoy was observed to be significantly smaller during his recent visits outside Delhi. However, the agency is also ensuring that there is no compromise on the security standards prescribed in the Blue Book.
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Earlier during his visit to Hyderabad on Sunday, PM Modi made an appeal to the public to reduce the consumption of fuel and gold. The latest decisions by the prime minister serve as a clear signal for the entire government machinery to adopt austerity measures, reported Jagran.com, citing sources. Apart from these measures, all the government departments are exploring ways to reduce the fuel consumption.
"There are talks across departments for identifying all steps that can reduce fuel consumption. The message of the PM is for all, including us. We are waiting for communication from the personnel department detailing what we should do. But every department will have to work out their own plans," an official was quoted as saying by the Times of India.
Earlier on Monday, the issue of cutting fuel consumption by reducing travel and the number of cars in convoys was discussed in a meeting chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.