Austerity drive in govt departments; PM reduces security convoy by half

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reduced the number of vehicles in his security convoy by half following petrol and diesel crisis. He also directed to promote the use of existing electric vehicles without incurring additional financial burden by purchasing new vehicles.

The order is for the Special Protection Group (SPG), which is responsible for the security of the Prime Minister. The SPG has started steps to reduce the number of vehicles by 50 percent without compromising on the rules in the blue book that comply with safety standards.

At a public rally in Hyderabad on Sunday, he had asked the people to reduce fuel and gold consumption and switch to work from home. Following this, he set an example by initiating changes at the official level.

The number of the Prime Minister's convoy was reduced during his visits to Gujarat and Assam. It is reported that BJP chief ministers of various states have also taken similar steps. Union Minister C R Patil has completely stopped using the escort vehicle.

Strict cost-cutting measures are likely to be implemented in all government departments in the coming days. It is reported that these issues were also discussed at an informal meeting of ministers chaired by Defense Minister Rajnath Singh to discuss reducing fuel consumption.