Mumbai: As part of an austerity push, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis travelled to the Chief Minister’s Office on a Bullet motorcycle, avoiding the use of his security convoy except for essential protection.
The move comes after Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged citizens to conserve petroleum products amid the impact of the ongoing West Asia crisis. The Prime Minister also reduced the use of his own security vehicles, projecting it as an example.
In Maharashtra, the government has begun implementing cost-cutting steps. Fadnavis has cancelled in-person review meetings that require ministers and officials to participate directly, and has instructed that meetings with government employees be held online.
Departments have been advised to avoid new foreign trips. Officials have also been asked to prefer electric vehicles over fuel-powered ones. As a key gesture, Fadnavis reduced the use of his security vehicles and rode from his residence in Varsha to the CM office, accompanied by minister Ashish Shelar.
The Congress criticised the action, alleging that the motorcycle’s pollution-control certificate had expired and calling the ride a publicity exercise.
