Blitz Bureau
NEW DELHI: Days after making an appeal to the people to prepare for the ‘challenging period’ resulting from the West Asia crisis, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has set new benchmarks by significantly reducing his convoy size and also directed the Special Protection Group (SPG), the elite force entrusted with his security, to curtail the fleet size to a minimum.
According to sources, PM Modi’s recent visits to Assam and Gujarat had truncated convoys as against the usual numbers.
The SPG has begun implementing the instructions by reducing the number of vehicles; however, it is maintaining essential security components as per the protocol.
The move also follows the opposition’s criticism, as the latter accused the Modi Government of imposing harsh measures on citizens while keeping itself insulated from the global oil shock.
With PM Modi leading from the front and showing the way to save fuel and cut down expenses, the message is set to percolate down the governance structure with more ministers and leaders soon walking the same path.
Notably, it was during his visit to Hyderabad last week that the Prime Minister appealed to the countrymen to reduce their dependence on fuel and opt for public transport, including Metro and carpooling, increased use of electric vehicles, reducing purchase of gold and also preferring domestic travels over foreign visits amid the aggravating West Asia crisis.
Meanwhile, several BJP-ruled states have announced austerity measures, including reduction in official convoys, curbs on foreign travel, virtual meetings and greater use of public transport.
Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath has ordered a 50 per cent reduction in the number of vehicles accompanying ministers and officials in convoys and directed departments to increase virtual meetings and promote work-from-home arrangements.
In Madhya Pradesh, CM Mohan Yadav has imposed a ban on political vehicle rallies and curtailed his own convoy, despite being entitled to Z-plus security. An official from the CM’s office confirmed that Yadav’s convoy will now comprise only eight vehicles instead of the usual thirteen.
Posting on X, Yadav said, “Until further orders, my convoy will consist of the bare minimum number of vehicles for security reasons, and there will be no vehicle rallies during my tours.”
Delhi CM Rekha Gupta posted on X, “I and all my cabinet colleagues will also use the minimum number of vehicles as per requirement and prioritise carpooling and public transport.”
In Maharashtra, Chief Minister Devender Fadnavis directed ministers not to use Government aircraft except for urgent official work, with such requests requiring his approval. Ministers also began cutting down travel and shifting to virtual meetings.