Chief Minister Rekha Gupta unveiled a public campaign titled “Mera Bharat, Mera Yogdaan” days after PM Modi’s appeal.
Delhi CM Rekha Gupta (Image: PTI file)
The Delhi government on Thursday announced a series of fuel-saving measures, including two days of remote work for government employees every week and restrictions on foreign visits by ministers and officials for the next one year, amid growing concerns over the impact of the ongoing West Asia conflict.
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta unveiled a public campaign titled “Mera Bharat, Mera Yogdaan” (My India, My Contribution), days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged citizens to reduce fuel consumption and avoid unnecessary foreign travel in view of the global crisis.
“Through the ‘Mera Bharat, Mera Yogdaan’ campaign, we want to highlight what both the government and citizens can contribute towards Delhi. The first focus area is saving petrol and diesel so that fuel consumption can be reduced,” Gupta said while addressing a press conference.
As part of the initiative, the Delhi government will allow its employees to work remotely for two days a week. The Chief Minister also appealed to private companies to adopt a similar work-from-home policy for two days weekly. She said the move would initially be advisory in nature and its implementation would be monitored by the Labour Department.
Also Read | New Work Order: Delhi Govt Goes WFH Twice A Week To Save Fuel; Will Other States, Pvt Sector Follow?
The government has also reduced the monthly petrol allowance for officials from 250 litres to 200 litres. Employees opting for public transport will receive an additional transport allowance.
Announcing a new initiative called “Metro Monday”, Gupta said all ministers and government officers will use the Metro on Mondays. Delhi government office timings have also been revised to 10:30 am–7 pm, while offices of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi will function from 8:30 am–5 pm.
The Chief Minister urged citizens to observe a “No Vehicle Day” once every week to help reduce congestion and fuel consumption.
The government further announced that no major Delhi government events will be organised for the next three months, while a special travel plan will be introduced for tourists visiting the national capital.
To reduce travel and energy consumption, 50 per cent of official meetings will now be conducted online. Colleges and universities will also be encouraged to adopt online modes wherever feasible.
Gupta also announced that no new vehicles will be purchased by any Delhi government department for the next six months. She added that Delhi’s new EV policy is in its final stages and will be announced soon.
As part of energy conservation measures, air-conditioners in Delhi government offices will be maintained between 24°C and 26°C, and smart switches will be installed to prevent unnecessary electricity wastage.
To strengthen last-mile connectivity and encourage Metro usage, the Delhi government will run feeder buses between Metro stations and 29 identified colonies with a high concentration of government employees.
The Chief Minister has reduced her own cavalcade by 60 per cent following the Prime Minister’s appeal. Gupta said her convoy now consists of only four vehicles, two of which are electric vehicles.
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