New Delhi: Finance Minister Arun Jaitley inaugurated an electric vehicle charging station at North Block and also used the occasion to induct 15 electric vehicles to be used by finance ministry officials. Twenty-eight charging points (24 slow-charging, 4 fast-charging) were also unveiled for these vehicles. Following the induction of these vehicles, the Department of Economic Affairs is (DEA) expected to save over 36,000 litres of fuel every year and will also lead to a reduction of over 440 tonnes of CO2 annually.

"The DEA, Ministry of Finance, has signed an agreement with Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL), an entity under the Ministry of Power, for deployment of 15 electric vehicles for their officers," an official release said.

"With these 15 EVs, Department of Economic Affairs is expected to save over 36,000 litres of fuel every year and will also lead to a reduction of over 440 tonnes of CO2 annually."

The move comes as India, one of the world's fastest growing auto markets, continues its push towards a reduced carbon footprint and a more environmentally sustainable future. And Jaitley believes that the move as a profitable way of dealing with climate change as it will bring in more job opportunities and promote manufacturing.

"Electric mobility is an attractive, sustainable and profitable solution to mitigate the climate change and to reduce the risk posed by vehicular emission to public health. EVs have the potential to support India's growth by enhancing manufacturing, job creation, and technical capabilities. We are glad to be a part of India's mission of rapid adoption of e-mobility," Jaitley said.