Delhi CM Rekha Gupta announces work-from-home, Metro push after PM's appeal

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Thursday (May 14) announced that government officers will work from home two days every week, reduce their vehicle use to a bare minimum, and mostly travel by metro. The development comes days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged people to conserve fuel, reduce foreign travel, and avoid purchasing gold next year amid a global fuel supply crisis due to the West Asia conflict. He urged industries to reintroduce work-from-home arrangements.

Speaking to reporters, the Chief Minister said that the measures will come into effect from Friday (May 15). Gupta has also slashed the number of vehicles in her official convoy by 60 per cent, bringing it down to just four, of which two are electric vehicles, with an eye on fuel conservation.

Metro push, convoy cut

The Delhi government, which is all set to launch the Mera Bharat Mera Yogdan" (My India, My Contribution) to promote fuel conservation, has also announced that every Monday will be observed as "Monday Metro" when adding that all ministers, officers, and employees will travel by metro.

Also Read: PM Modi orders 50 per cent cut in convoy, BJP CMs follow suit amid West Asia crisis

Urging the public to observe a “No vehicle day” every week, the government stated that there would not be any fresh purchase of a petrol, diesel, or electric vehicle for the next six months. It also announced the hike in transport allowance for employees by 10 per cent.

Travel curbs and awareness campaigm

It has also imposed a ban on foreign travel of all ministers and officers of the Delhi government for the next year, adding that a 90-day awareness campaign will be launched in this regard.

Also Read: Why PM Modi's 'austerity' plea undermines India's stature on global stage

The Delhi government further stated that citizens would be administered a pledge to promote savings and contribute towards nation-building.

The Chief Minister further stated that petrol and diesel quotas of the Delhi government officers have also been slashed by 20 per cent.

Cabinet review on fuel savings

Earlier, Gupta headed a meeting with all her Cabinet ministers and senior officers of the government to discuss ways to save fuel and other resources amid global uncertainty over crude oil and gas supplies.

Also Read: How will Modi’s gold appeal impact consumers, jewellers and economy? | AI With Sanket

Addressing a public gathering at the Parade Ground in Secunderabad on Sunday, PM Modi had called upon citizens to support efforts aimed at insulating the Indian economy from the impact of the continuing West Asia crisis.

Referring to disruptions in global supply chains, rising fuel costs and wider economic uncertainty, he urged people to limit fuel consumption, prefer metro services, public transport and shared mobility, and expand the use of electric vehicles.

PM’s broader appeal

He also asked industries and offices to restore remote working, virtual meetings and digital conferences wherever feasible. The Prime Minister further advised against avoidable imports and overseas leisure travel to help conserve foreign exchange, while him and Union Home Minister Amit Shah have reduced convoy movement as part of the effort.