PM's forex-saving push Highlights: Keep expenses minimal, reduce use of imported items, PM tells Cabinet

Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has decided to reduce the size of his official convoy by half following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeal for austerity and fuel conservation, sources said. The move comes amid a broader push by governments and public officials to cut fuel consumption and reduce expenditure.

Following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call for reducing fuel consumption, Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary ordered a reduction in the size of his official cavalcade, with several cabinet colleagues also expected to follow the move. Choudhary said the Bihar government is planning multiple measures to cut fuel usage, including promoting work-from-home and observing a weekly “no vehicle day”.

The Uttarakhand government has directed officials and employees to minimise the use of government vehicles as part of its fuel conservation and austerity measures. The state has also stressed promoting the use of public transport and electric vehicles following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeal to reduce fuel consumption, cut imports and encourage sustainable practices.

Following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeal for fuel conservation and sustainable development, the Uttarakhand government has issued 11 major directives aimed at reducing petroleum consumption. The measures include implementation of ‘No Car Day’ in the PWD, DJP and Flood Irrigation departments, restrictions on foreign tours, and steps to minimise fuel usage and government expenditure. The directions are part of the state’s broader push towards austerity and energy conservation.

Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during the Cabinet meeting, stressed the need for austerity and self-reliance, asking ministers and officials to “spend as little as possible” and minimise the use of imported items. Vaishnaw said the Prime Minister emphasised adopting practical measures for conservation and reducing unnecessary expenditure amid global economic and supply chain pressures.

In a Cabinet meeting chaired by Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Wednesday, the state government announced key decisions aimed at energy and fuel conservation. Dhami said the post-Covid global situation, the Russia-Ukraine conflict, and the ongoing West Asia crisis have put pressure on global supply chains, especially fuel, food items and fertilisers, leading to rising fuel costs, import dependence and economic stress in India. Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeal for small behavioural changes to support national efforts, the Uttarakhand government said several short-term and long-term reforms would be implemented in the state with immediate effect.

Visuals from Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s movement on Wednesday showed a relatively leaner security and vehicle convoy arrangement, as the Centre pushes for austerity and fuel conservation measures. 

Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari has decided to reduce the number of vehicles in his official convoy by 50 per cent and travel by bus during his Maharashtra tour, citing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s advice on fuel conservation and national energy security. Gadkari said the move is aimed at promoting austerity measures and reducing fuel consumption in line with the Centre’s broader appeal for energy savings.

TMC MP Saugata Roy reacted to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeal to reduce fuel consumption, saying it may indicate a national crisis and should be discussed in Parliament, as similar appeals were made during Covid. "Maybe there is a crisis in the country. PM Modi said such things during COVID too. PM Modi should call a parliament session. This can be discussed there," he said.

Karnataka Leader of Opposition in Legislative Council Chalavadi Narayanaswamy said people across India have historically respected appeals made by Narendra Modi, including during the Covid-19 pandemic, and are expected to respond similarly now. He said the Prime Minister’s recent cautionary message is in the national interest. Narayanaswamy added that rising international commodity prices have increased pressure, but the government has largely absorbed the burden so far. He said sustaining that support indefinitely may not be possible if global prices continue to rise.

-ANI

Kavinder Gupta said Himachal Pradesh will cut official vehicle use following Narendra Modi’s appeal to conserve fuel amid global uncertainty linked to the US-Iran conflict. He said universities have also been told to encourage students to use public transport over private vehicles. “People follow the directions of the leaders who set an example for the public to follow,” Gupta said, adding that all institutions should support the effort to save energy during the crisis.

-ANI

After PM Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also downsized his convoy size to nearly half, following the PM's austerity appeal.

Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary has discontinued the use of SUVs in his convoy and began traveling in an electric vehicle for official engagements, including the cabinet meeting on Wednesday.

The move signals a push toward fuel conservation and sustainable transport. Ministers Madan Sahni, Jama Khan, and Sanjay Kumar Singh also arrived at the cabinet meeting in vehicles aligned with the initiative.

-Shashi Bhushan input

Rising import duty has increased concerns among jewelers in Mohali, with the Mohali Jewelers' Union urging authorities to review the move and consider alternatives. Jitendra Kumar of JR Jewelers said the market is already feeling the strain, and customers will soon face higher prices. He added that jewelers have halted long-term bookings and are now managing business on a week-to-week basis.

-Aman Bhardhwaj input

Bihar Deputy Chief Minister and senior JD(U) leader Vijay Kumar Chaudhary has announced that he has personally reduced the number of vehicles he uses by half and will undertake official travel only when necessary.

Following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeal to conserve fuel, Maharashtra has restricted government aircraft use, requiring prior approval from Devendra Fadnavis’ office. In Gujarat, the Governor will use trains, state buses and public transport, while official convoys will also be reduced.

-PTI

Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma directed that official convoy vehicle use be minimised, with unnecessary vehicles avoided, especially in security arrangements. He also instructed all officials and public representatives, including the Chief Secretary, to follow the same practice. The move aligns with efforts to promote fuel conservation and reduce petrol-diesel consumption.

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced that the Delhi government will use the minimum number of vehicles for official work, aligning with Narendra Modi’s appeal to save petrol and diesel amid the current global situation. She said she, her Cabinet colleagues, BJP MLAs, public representatives, and government officers will prioritise carpooling and public transport. "Energy conservation is a responsibility linked to national interest," Gupta said. She added that Delhi is fully committed to promoting fuel conservation and public transport, and urged residents to join the national effort to make energy-saving a people’s movement.

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav said the state will cut petrol and diesel use in response to Narendra Modi’s call for conservation. He announced a smaller official convoy, no vehicle rallies during tours, and directed ministers to use fewer vehicles while travelling. Newly appointed board and corporation officials will assume office simply. Yadav also urged citizens across Madhya Pradesh to use public transport, saying national interest comes first.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has directed an immediate 50 percent reduction in the fleet of vehicles for the Chief Minister, ministers, and others. He stated that ministers, MPs, MLAs, and public representatives should use public transport for one day a week.

After Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged citizens to save fuel and adopt austerity measures amid economic stress, Gujarat’s top leadership, including the Governor, moved quickly to implement changes. Chief Minitser Bhupendra Patel reduced his official convoy by more than half, arriving at an event in Rajula with just three vehicles. Acharya Devvrat suspended all air travel within the state, opting for trains, buses, and public transport instead. Harsh Sanghvi cancelled his planned US visit and scaled down his convoy. Ministers also dropped escort vehicles, while universities were asked to observe a weekly “Chemical Engine Free Day” to promote bicycles, EVs, and public transport.

-Brijesh Doshi input

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has ordered a 50 per cent reduction in the size of his official convoy and directed greater use of electric vehicles as part of a broader austerity push linked to the Iran war. Sources said the Special Protection Group has begun implementing the changes without compromising security protocols. The move follows Modi’s call for citizens to conserve fuel, avoid gold purchases and postpone non-essential foreign travel amid rising global oil prices.

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Days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged citizens to avoid buying gold for a year, the Centre raised import duties on gold and silver to 15 per cent from 6 per cent on Wednesday. The revised levy includes a 10 per cent basic customs duty and a 5 per cent Agriculture Infrastructure and Development Cess.

The move aims to reduce imports, narrow the trade deficit and support the rupee, which has fallen to a record low against the dollar. World Gold Council data showed India’s gold ETF inflows surged 186 per cent year-on-year in the March quarter.

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Delhi minister Kapil Mishra travelled by the Delhi Metro, citing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeal for austerity amid the ongoing Iran war-linked economic stress. Sharing a video of his commute on X, Mishra said Delhi ministers had begun implementing the call.

“Following the call of Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji, Delhi's CM Rekha Gupta ji and all ministers have begun implementation with resolve,” he wrote, adding he would use public transport or only a single government vehicle when necessary.