CHANDIGARH, May 14 : Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini has reduced the number of vehicles in his official convoy to half in response to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeal to cut down fuel consumption and spend resources wisely.
Earlier, seven to ten vehicles — including that of the chief minister — were part of the convoy, official sources said on Thursday, adding that this number has now been reduced to four.
Only essential vehicles from the security point of view have been retained in the fleet, they said.
Saini has also resolved to work one day a week without using any government vehicle.
On Thursday, Saini arrived at the state BJP headquarters in Panchkula for an event in a four-vehicle motorcade which included his own car and a jammer vehicle.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the event, the chief minister said everyone should heed the prime minister’s appeal, also urging people to maximise the use of public transport.
Asked if he would also urge the opposition parties to act on the prime minister’s appeal, Saini said, “When the prime minister makes an appeal, everyone should heed that.”
Following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call to cut down fuel usage, several Haryana cabinet ministers too were seen adopting austerity.
Minister Arvind Sharma rode a bicycle to the BJP headquarters for the event.
Saini said public representatives and officers should set an example, and give a positive message to society.
The chief minister said all ministers and government officials have also been directed to ensure the use of limited vehicles during travel.
He appealed to officers and the public to participate in this fuel-conservation campaign by making maximum use of public transport.
Saini said energy conservation is the responsibility of every citizen, asserting that if everyone makes small efforts, significant contribution can be made not only towards fuel conservation but also towards environmental protection.
At the Panchkula event, Saini and other senior party leaders addressed newly-elected mayors, councillors and party workers after the BJP’s victory in the municipality polls in Panchkula, Ambala and Sonipat, among other civic bodies.
Earlier, on Wednesday, Saini said he had decided to use the minimum number of vehicles in his convoy, and also mentioned a series of initiatives his government would adopt in response to the prime minister’s call.
He told ministers and officials to ensure limited use of vehicles, and opt for virtual meetings.
In a post on X, Saini said in response to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call, the Haryana government is moving forward with a resolve to save fuel and ensure the proper use of resources in national interest.
“In this regard, I have decided to use the minimum number of vehicles in my fleet. Until the next order, only the essential vehicles required for security purposes will be included in my carcade,” Saini wrote.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently reduced the size of his convoy following his appealing for fuel conservation, prompting several BJP chief ministers and other senior leaders to adopt similar measures. (PTI)
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