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Maharashtra Governor Jishnu Dev Varma has directed the Maharashtra Home Department to examine the possibility of reducing his security deployment and the size of his official convoy as part of efforts to promote fuel conservation and efficient use of public resources.

According to a statement issued by the Governor’s office, the move is in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeal to reduce the consumption of petrol and diesel and encourage responsible energy usage.

Governor calls for reassessment of threat perception

The Governor has asked the State Home Department to review the existing security arrangements related to his protection and official convoy, and assess whether the number of personnel and vehicles deployed can be reduced without compromising security requirements.

In a letter addressed to Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Manisha Mhaiskar, Secretary to the Governor Dr Prashant Narnaware stated that the Governor had sought a reassessment of the current threat perception and a review of measures aimed at optimising security and convoy deployment for energy conservation.

Move aimed at efficient use of public resources

The statement said the initiative is intended to encourage prudent use of fuel and public resources while ensuring that necessary security standards are maintained.

50 pc cut in Maharashtra ministers` convoys, no official foreign tours

On Wednesday, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced a series of austerity measures, including halving the number of vehicles in the convoys of his cabinet colleagues, and cancelling foreign tours of ministers and officials.

The BJP-led government`s move came in response to Prime Minister Narendra Modi`s appeal to conserve fuel and foreign exchange in view of the ongoing conflict in West Asia, which has disrupted global energy supplies. India relies heavily on West Asia for crude oil and gas imports.

The decisions were taken at two high-level meetings chaired by Fadnavis and attended by the chief secretary, director general of police and other senior officials.

According to an official statement, the number of vehicles in the convoys of the CM and all other ministers will be reduced by half with immediate effect.

During outstation visits, the number of vehicles in ministerial convoys should not exceed the prescribed limit, and the police commissioner or superintendent of police concerned will be responsible for ensuring compliance, it said.

The government will conduct a strict review of all vehicles allotted to different departments.

The state government has also cancelled all upcoming foreign tours of ministers and officials.

Ministers have been directed to avoid using government aircraft and helicopters unless absolutely necessary and to prefer scheduled commercial flights, according to the statement.

Fadnavis asked ministers and officials to increase the use of public transport, including the Mumbai Metro, and to use such services for at least one day in the initial phase.

Most official meetings should be held through video conferencing to reduce travel by bureaucrats, the statement said.