PM Modi's austerity push: Chhattisgarh CM Sai trims convoy, supports use of EVs

New Delhi/Raipur: Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Wednesday said he has reduced the size of his convoy and that there will be special focus on the use of electric vehicles (EVs) in future.

Sai also urged his cabinet colleagues and office-bearers of various state-run corporations and boards to ensure restrained use of vehicles and other government resources.

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The move comes following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's appeal for austerity and reduced dependence on fuel-driven vehicles.

Amid the crisis in West Asia, Modi has suggested reducing petrol and diesel consumption, using Metro rail services in cities, carpooling, increased use of electric vehicles, utilising railway services for parcel movement, and working from home to conserve foreign exchange.

Speaking to reporters in Raipur, CM Sai noted that the West Asia conflict has impacted the entire world, including India, and the prime minister has appealed to citizens to reduce consumption of petrol and diesel, limit gold purchases and cut down on foreign travel.

"We have also followed the appeal. We have reduced the number of vehicles in our official cavalcade. In the coming days, special focus will be given to EVs," Sai said.

Further, the CM in a post on X said the call given by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the interest of the nation, regarding fuel conservation and the prudent utilisation of resources, is, today, the need of the hour.

"In this challenging era marked by a global energy crisis and environmental challenges, the responsible use of precious resources such as petrol and diesel constitutes a national duty for all of us," he stressed.

"Inspired by this spirit, only essential vehicles will now be included in my convoy during official tours. I have also requested my fellow ministers and office-bearers of various corporations and boards to use vehicles and other government resources judiciously," Sai said.

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The Chief Minister further said the state government will initiate concrete steps to gradually convert all government vehicles into electric vehicles in a phased manner.

"I make a heartfelt appeal to the citizens of the state to make maximum use of public transport, embrace carpooling, and refrain from using private vehicles unnecessarily. By making small changes in our daily habits, we can bring about significant transformation," he said.

"Small changes in daily habits can bring about major transformation. Let us turn fuel conservation into a people's movement with the spirit of 'Nation First'," he added.

On Tuesday, Chhattisgarh's Finance Minister OP Choudhary had also announced that, following the PM's appeal, he would avoid using pilot and follow vehicles in his convoy or protocol arrangements except in unavoidable security-related situations until normalcy returns.

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