Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Thursday announced that government offices in the national capital will observe two work-from-home days every week as part of a broader fuel conservation campaign launched after Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged citizens to reduce fuel consumption amid global economic uncertainty.
The measures, which will take effect from Friday, are part of the Delhi government’s “Mera Bharat Mera Yogdan” campaign aimed at promoting sustainable practices, reducing fuel usage and improving energy efficiency across departments.
Under the new policy, ministers, officers and government employees will also participate in a “Monday Metro” initiative, encouraging the use of public transport instead of private vehicles. Citizens have additionally been urged to observe one “No Vehicle Day” every week.
The Delhi government said no new petrol, diesel or electric vehicles would be purchased for the next six months. Officials also announced a one-year halt on official foreign travel for ministers and officers as part of the austerity measures.
The Chief Minister’s convoy has also been reduced to four vehicles, including two electric vehicles, in a move the government described as an effort to encourage cleaner mobility and lower fuel use.
Additional measures include increasing transport allowance for employees by 10%, installing master switches in government offices to reduce electricity wastage, and fixing air-conditioner temperatures between 24 and 26 degrees Celsius.
The government has also requested universities and educational institutions to conduct non-practical classes online to cut travel-related fuel consumption.
Prime Minister Modi had recently appealed to citizens to conserve fuel, use public transport, adopt carpooling and revive work-from-home arrangements wherever possible due to concerns over global supply disruptions and rising fuel prices linked to tensions in West Asia.
