New Delhi: The Delhi government has announced a set of measures aimed at conserving fuel and easing economic pressure amid an international shortage of petrol and diesel and a sharp rise in crude oil prices linked to the West Asia war situation.
As part of the plan, all government employees have been instructed to work from home two days a week. The government has also barred officials from undertaking foreign travel and imposed a ban on purchasing new vehicles for the next six months.
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, from the BJP, has reduced the number of vehicles in her security convoy by about 60%, leaving four cars, including two electric vehicles. The government has also launched a campaign titled “My India; My Contribution” to promote fuel conservation.
In an official statement, the Delhi government urged private corporates to adopt similar work-from-home practices. It also announced that every Monday will be observed as “Metro Monday”, requesting ministers, senior officials and staff to commute by Metro, while asking the public to avoid using vehicles at least one day a week.
The government said transport allowance for employees will be increased by 10%. It also called for electricity savings, directing that air-conditioners in government offices be maintained at 24–26°C and that master power switches be installed. Office timings have been revised, municipal office hours changed, colleges and universities asked to conduct online classes, and traders encouraged to shift freight from trucks to rail wherever feasible.
