Delhi, May 13: Amid the global crisis caused by the war in West Asia and rising global crude oil prices, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has ordered a 50% reduction in the number of vehicles deployed in his SPG security force as part of fuel conservation and cost-saving measures.
The number of vehicles in the Prime Minister’s convoy was reduced during his visits to Vadodara and Guwahati. Although there is no change in the security arrangements, Prime Minister Modi’s aim is to encourage responsible fuel consumption in the face of economic uncertainty caused by the US-Iran conflict and, as he has said, to lead by example before the citizens of the country.
The central government has also directed the Special Protection Group (SPG), which looks after the Prime Minister’s security, to increase the use of electric vehicles in the number of convoy vehicles. However, the Prime Minister has ordered that instead of buying new vehicles for this, the existing resources should be used optimally.
The central government’s action plan has asked citizens to increase the use of electric vehicles, reduce fuel consumption and conduct more meetings online to reduce unnecessary travel. The measures are being taken in response to global economic pressures caused by instability in West Asia, it said.
Officials said that Prime Minister Modi wanted governments and people’s representatives to follow practical austerity measures while maintaining the efficiency of governance and security standards.
The Prime Minister advised people not to buy unnecessary gold for a year to reduce pressure on foreign exchange reserves. He also advised them to avoid foreign travel if possible and adopt work-from-home and online working methods.