In a significant move to promote austerity and reduce government expenditure, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Thursday announced a series of measures for government offices in the national capital. The decisions come in response to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent call for fiscal discipline and resource conservation.
Key Announcements
The Delhi CM stated that government employees will now have the option to work from home two days a week. This measure is aimed at cutting down on commuting costs and reducing the carbon footprint. Additionally, the official petrol and diesel quota for officers' vehicles will be reduced by 20 percent, a step expected to save substantial fuel costs for the state exchequer.
Metro Mandate for Ministers
In a unique directive, all ministers and their officers will be required to use the Delhi Metro for commuting on Mondays. This initiative is intended to set an example of public transport usage and ease traffic congestion. The CM emphasized that this move aligns with the broader vision of sustainable urban mobility.
The announcements were made during a press conference at the Delhi Secretariat. Chief Minister Gupta urged all departments to implement these changes swiftly and cooperate in the spirit of the austerity drive. She also hinted at further measures in the coming weeks to optimize resource utilization.
These decisions have been widely welcomed by environmental groups and public transport advocates, who see them as a step towards a greener Delhi. However, some opposition leaders have questioned the feasibility of work-from-home arrangements for essential services.
