No foreign trips for ministers: Delhi CM announces fuel-cut measures after PM's appeal

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced that no minister or official will undertake foreign travel for a year as part of fuel-saving measures following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's appeal.

In Short

• Govt launches 'Mera Bharat Mera Yogdan' campaign for 90 days
• Work from home mandated two days weekly for govt staff
• Petrol use cut by 20%, 'Metro Monday' introduced for officials

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Thursday announced that no minister or official of the Delhi government will undertake foreign travel for the next one year as part of a series of forex-saving and fuel-saving measures introduced following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeal in view of the current national situation.

Addressing a press conference, Gupta said the Delhi government will launch the “Mera Bharat Mera Yogdan” campaign in the capital for the next 90 days. She said the government has prepared measures at two levels to reduce petrol and diesel consumption.

The chief minister announced that government employees, except those involved in essential services and public dealing, will work from home for two days every week. The Delhi government will also issue an advisory to private companies to adopt a similar arrangement.

Gupta said the government has reduced the use of official vehicles and cut the petrol limit for officers by 20 per cent from the current 200 litres. She also announced that every Monday will be observed as “Metro Monday”, during which ministers and officers will use the Delhi Metro for commuting.

The Delhi government and the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) will revise office timings to reduce congestion and improve fuel efficiency. Delhi government offices will function from 10.30 am to 7 pm, while MCD offices will operate from 8.30 am to 5 pm.

The chief minister appealed to residents of Delhi to observe one “No Vehicle Day” every week. She also announced that the Delhi government will not purchase any new vehicles for the next six months.

Gupta said the government will increase transport allowance by 10 per cent and operate 58 special buses across 29 government colonies for government employees.

She further announced that 50 per cent of government meetings will now be conducted online. The government has appealed to universities to shift non-practical classes online and requested courts to conduct hearings virtually wherever possible.

The Delhi government will also set up a single-window help desk in the labour department. Gupta urged traders in the city to use trains instead of trucks for transporting goods in order to save fuel.

The chief minister said the Delhi government will prepare a special travel plan for the capital and prioritise India-made products in government procurement. Dedicated “Made in India” corners will also be set up in malls across Delhi.

Gupta added that large public events will not be organised for the next three months. She also said her own carcade has been reduced by 60 per cent following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s advice. The chief minister’s convoy will now consist of only four vehicles, two of which are electric vehicles.

- Ends