In a move indicating implementation of austerity measures within the government, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has significantly reduced his convoy size, reported news agency ANI.
Reduction in vehicles was done while maintaining essential security components as per the SPG protocol. The convoy size was reduced in Gujarat and Assam immediately after his speech in Hyderabad. PM Modi has also asked for the inclusion of Electric Vehicles in his convoy, wherever possible, without new purchases, ANI reported quoting sources.
PM Modi on Sunday called on citizens to reduce consumption of fuel and switch to public transport. He also urged people to reduce gold purchases for at least 1 year. His appeal came in the wake of the global energy disruption caused by the Iran war.
Typically, the PM’s convoy includes Pilot vehicles, escort vehicles, the Prime Minister’s car, a backup vehicle, ambulance and medical emergencies vehicles, and a communications vehicle.
Convoy sizes reduced in MP and Rajasthan
Soon after his call to reduce vehicular fuel consumption, Rajasthan CM Bhajan Lal Sharma and Madhya Pradesh CM Mohan Yadav decided to reduce their convoy size. The Madhya Pradesh government said the Chief Minister’s convoy would be reduced from 13 vehicles to eight “until further orders”. Vehicle rallies during his tours would be completely stopped. Rajasthan CM Sharma, too, dropped 10 vehicles from his convoy and brought it down to 5.
What PM Modi had told citizens
PM Modi on Sunday said citizens of India needed to implement certain measures to counter the impact of the global energy crisis sparked by the Iran-US war and the consequent blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. The strait carries one-fifth of the world’s oil traffic.
PM Modi, during a public meeting, said “I appeal to every citizen of my country to reduce the use of petrol-diesel as much as possible. Use the metro, make greater use of electric buses and public transport, and promote carpooling. Those who have a car should take more people along in one vehicle.”
He also batted for work-from-home policies in private and government sectors, wherever possible. “Digital technology has now made so many things easy that technology’s assistance will also be very beneficial for us. It is essential that priority be given to virtual meetings and work from home in both government and private offices,” he said.
PM Modi further urged to take steps to curb gold imports to preserve forex. He said that citizens must put off buying gold till the situation returns to normal. “Today, the need of the hour is that we turn ‘Vocal for Local’ into a people’s movement. Instead of foreign goods, adopt local products. Empower the entrepreneurs of your village, your city, your country.”