The Maharashtra government has announced a wide-ranging set of administrative and conservation measures in response to the ongoing crisis in West Asia, citing concerns over energy security, fuel consumption and public expenditure.
The directives come after Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged citizens to conserve energy, use public transport, support indigenous products and avoid unnecessary expenses in view of the evolving geopolitical situation.
A government circular issued on Wednesday and signed by Chief Secretary Rajesh Agrawal outlines several steps that departments, district administrations and local bodies have been instructed to implement immediately.
Restrictions on foreign travel, reduced vehicle use
As part of the measures, foreign tours of government officials will be temporarily suspended. Departments have also been asked not to plan any new overseas visits until further instructions.
The state government has additionally directed departments to reduce the use of official vehicles and promote carpooling, public transport and electric mobility among employees. Senior officials have been advised to travel by metro, local trains or buses at least once a week as part of the fuel conservation effort.
The police department has also been instructed not to permit vehicle processions and bike rallies in order to minimise fuel wastage.
Push for digital meetings and lower expenditure
The circular calls for greater use of video conferencing for official meetings, training sessions and seminars at the Mantralaya, divisional and district levels. Educational institutions, including universities and colleges, have also been asked to adopt similar practices wherever possible.
The government has simultaneously announced restrictions on expensive official events and advertisements as part of a broader attempt to control expenditure.
In another cost-cutting measure, all administrative departments have been instructed to avoid appointing consultants for the next six months unless absolutely necessary.
Energy conservation measures in offices
Government offices across the state have been directed to maximise the use of natural light and switch off unnecessary lights and electrical equipment when not in use.
Air-conditioning temperatures in offices are to be maintained between 24 and 26 degrees Celsius to reduce electricity consumption. The government also said it would accelerate solar energy initiatives under the Pradhan Mantri Suryaghar Yojana.
Focus on PNG use and reduced edible oil consumption
To reduce dependence on conventional fuels, the government plans to promote the use of piped natural gas (PNG) and expedite approvals related to PNG infrastructure projects. Hotels and restaurants in cities such as Mumbai will also be encouraged to shift towards PNG usage.
The circular also includes measures aimed at reducing edible oil consumption in government-run facilities such as canteens, anganwadis, hospitals and hostels. Authorities have been instructed to revise menus and encourage the use of groundnut and mustard oil in place of palm and soybean oil.
Awareness campaigns on healthier and reduced oil consumption will be conducted through ASHA and anganwadi workers.
Natural farming to be promoted
In the agriculture sector, the government plans to intensify campaigns promoting natural, biological and organic farming practices while reducing dependence on chemical fertilisers.
Farmers will be provided crop-specific guidance based on soil testing, and departments have been directed to monitor and prevent misuse of fertilisers.
The circular has been sent to all departments, district collectors, municipal corporations and government offices with instructions for strict implementation of the announced measures.
