Sanchita Chatterjee, BS News Agency: Amidst the ongoing crisis in West Asia, and as part of a broader national initiative to conserve fuel, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has significantly reduced the number of vehicles in his official convoy. Inspired by the Prime Minister's example and his message regarding fuel conservation, West Bengal Chief Minister Subhendu Adhikari has also decided to reduce the number of vehicles in his own convoy. According to sources, this new decision comes into effect today—Wednesday, May 13. Directives have already been issued ensuring that the convoy will not include any vehicles beyond the absolute minimum required for security purposes.
Expressing concern over the global energy situation, Prime Minister Modi recently appealed to the nation to reduce the consumption of petrol and diesel, to work from home whenever possible, and to refrain from unnecessary foreign travel. Officials assert that the Prime Minister sought to implement this message of restraint—directed at the citizenry—within his own personal life as well; this commitment is reflected in his decision to reduce the number of vehicles in his convoy.
Consequently, the number of vehicles accompanying the Prime Minister on his tours has been reduced. This streamlined convoy was first observed during an event in Hyderabad. Subsequently, the same arrangement was maintained during his visits to Vadodara and Guwahati; sources indicate that a limited-vehicle convoy was also utilized during his recent tours of Gujarat and Assam.
However, the administration has made it clear that there has been no compromise whatsoever regarding security arrangements. All mandatory security protocols and SPG guidelines remain strictly in force, just as before; only the number of non-essential vehicles has been reduced. Thus, while conveying this message of austerity, the aspect of security has been kept completely intact.
Last Tuesday, during the swearing-in ceremony of Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, the Prime Minister's Office distributed copies of the Prime Minister's address—along with a special action plan—to the Chief Ministers of various states. This document called for restraint in fuel consumption in light of the volatile situation in West Asia. West Bengal Chief Minister Subhendu Adhikari was also present at this significant event.
The action plan, which was circulated to the various state governments, contains a number of key recommendations. These include increasing the use of electric vehicles, placing greater emphasis on virtual meetings, and adopting various effective measures for overall energy conservation.