Lucknow: In a sweeping austerity initiative aimed at conserving fuel, electricity and foreign exchange amid rising global uncertainty, Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday ordered an immediate 50 per cent reduction in the official vehicle fleets attached to the Chief Minister’s Office, ministers and senior bureaucrats in Uttar Pradesh.
The move follows Narendra Modi’s recent appeal to citizens to adopt austerity measures, postpone non-essential purchases and reduce fuel consumption in view of the ongoing geopolitical tensions in West Asia and their impact on India’s economy.
Chairing a high-level meeting attended by the Chief Secretary, Director General of Police, Additional Chief Secretaries and Principal Secretaries, the Chief Minister called for a statewide public movement focused on energy conservation, restrained consumption and support for local products.
50% Cut in Government Vehicle Fleets
Yogi Adityanath directed all departments to immediately remove unnecessary vehicles from official convoys.
The order applies to:
- Chief Minister’s official fleet
- State ministers
- Senior IAS and IPS officers
- Other top government functionaries
He also appealed to ministers, MPs, MLAs and public representatives to use public transport at least once every week.
‘No Vehicle Day’ and Public Participation Campaign
The Chief Minister proposed a weekly “No Vehicle Day”, encouraging:
- Government employees
- Students
- Teachers
- Public representatives
- Citizens from all walks of life
to participate in reducing fuel consumption and promoting sustainable transport.
Work From Home and Virtual Meetings Encouraged
To reduce travel and fuel usage, Yogi directed that:
- 50% of internal meetings in the State Secretariat and directorates be held online
- Official seminars, workshops and conferences be conducted virtually whenever possible
- Industries and start-ups adopt work-from-home systems
- Large workplaces consider work-from-home for two days each week
The Industrial Development Department, Uttar Pradesh and Invest UP were asked to facilitate implementation.
Promotion of Metro, UPSRTC, PNG and Electric Vehicles
The Chief Minister emphasized wider use of:
- Metro rail services
- Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation buses
- Public transport
- Piped Natural Gas (PNG)
- Electric vehicles
- Cycling and car-pooling
He also suggested staggered office timings to reduce peak-hour traffic and fuel consumption.
Electricity Conservation Measures
To curb power wastage, Yogi instructed government offices, households and commercial establishments to avoid unnecessary electricity usage.
He specifically directed that decorative lighting in:
- Malls
- Hotels
- Private establishments
should be curtailed after 10 PM.
Avoid Non-Essential Foreign Travel and Destination Weddings Abroad
The Chief Minister urged citizens to postpone non-essential foreign travel for the next six months and encouraged families to organize weddings and celebrations within India.
Promoting Uttar Pradesh as a destination wedding hub, he highlighted the state’s:
- Heritage sites
- Forts and palaces
- Eco-tourism destinations
- Spiritual circuits
‘Visit My State’ Campaign to Promote Tourism
To boost domestic tourism, Yogi announced the “Visit My State” campaign, focusing on:
- Wellness tourism
- Eco-tourism
- Rural tourism
- Wildlife tourism
- Cuisine tourism
Museums and memorials may be opened free of cost for a limited period to attract visitors.
The Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department has been tasked with coordinating with hotels, airlines, tour operators and travel agencies.
Support for Local Products, ODOP and GI-Tagged Goods
The Chief Minister stressed the use of products made by:
- Local artisans
- Self-Help Groups (SHGs)
- Small entrepreneurs
He directed that One District One Product (ODOP) and GI-tagged products be promoted as official gifts during festivals, weddings and public functions.
Nutrition Awareness and Reduced Edible Oil Consumption
In a public health-related appeal, Yogi urged citizens to reduce edible oil consumption.
The Health Department, Uttar Pradesh was directed to conduct nutrition awareness campaigns in:
- Schools and colleges
- Hospitals
- Hostels
- Jails
- Government canteens
Natural Farming and Rooftop Solar Push
The Chief Minister instructed the Agriculture Department to promote natural farming practices and asked officials to expand awareness about rooftop solar under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana.
He also directed that the PNG network be expanded in mission mode across the state.
Appeal to Avoid Unnecessary Gold Purchases
As part of broader efforts to conserve foreign exchange, Yogi asked citizens to avoid non-essential gold purchases and instructed officials to engage with jewellers’ associations and traders to spread awareness.
A Comprehensive Austerity Blueprint
The wide-ranging measures reflect Uttar Pradesh’s effort to operationalize the Prime Minister’s call for prudent consumption and resource conservation.
From cutting official vehicle fleets and encouraging virtual meetings to promoting local products, solar energy and domestic tourism, the initiative seeks to reduce economic pressures while fostering sustainable development and self-reliance.
