Taking cue from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Minister Shivraj Chouhan on Thursday pruned his convoy size to three vehicles, while calling the move both “symbolic and practical” in reducing fuel consumption and avoidable expenses.
Chairing a high-level meeting of officials from the Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Rural Development, Indian Council of Agricultural Research, and Department of Land Resources, he 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,” he said after the meeting.
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 should be promoted as alternatives to overseas visits,” he said.
Under ‘Khet Bachao Abhiyan’, a nationwide awareness campaign has been launched for the balanced use of chemical fertilisers.
“Khet Bachao Committees will be formed in villages across the country. Natural farming will be promoted on a large scale, and farmers will be encouraged to adopt natural farming on a portion of their land,” he said.
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, he added.
The use of metro services and public transport will be encouraged at the ministry level, he said.
“These decisions have been taken to strengthen national interest, public welfare, and the resolve of building a developed India,” the minister added.