Amid concerns over fuel availability and rising prices linked to tensions in West Asia, the Lok Sabha Secretariat has begun a major fuel-saving move by switching senior officials to electric vehicles, following an order from Speaker Om Birla.
India meets a large share of its fuel needs through imports, and recent increases in petrol, diesel and commercial LPG prices have added to cost pressures. The report notes that the government has been urging restraint and conservation.
In line with these calls, the Speaker has directed that petrol-run official cars used by eligible senior Parliament officers be replaced with EVs. The rollout is said to be progressing quickly, with more green number plates now visible inside the Parliament complex.
Depending on post and official requirements, officers will be allotted either the Mahindra XUV400 or the Tata Nexon EV. Around 40 officers at the level of Joint Secretary and above are expected to receive new EVs.
Parliament has also been taking fuel-saving steps for years, including replacing cars used for short trips between the main building and the committee annexe with battery-operated golf carts for MPs and senior officials.
