PM Modi orders 50 per cent cut in convoy, BJP CMs follow suit amid West Asia crisis
Security teams have begun implementing new cost-saving protocols as the Centre expands fuel conservation and public spending restraint measures
Days after urging the people to save fuel, avoid unnecessary foreign travel and not to purchase gold, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has issued instructions to reduce the size of his convoy by 50 per cent as part of an austerity measure in view of economic pressure linked to the West Asia conflict.
PM’s convoy scaled down
According to a report in India Today, quoting sources, the Special Protection Group (SPG) has been instructed to reduce the number of vehicles in PM Modi’s convoy. The report further stated that the SPG has also been asked to ensure that there is no compromise about the mandatory security protocols, adding that the SPG has already started to implement the instructions.
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PM Modi has also reportedly instructed a greater use of electric vehicles in his convoy, but made it clear that no new vehicles should be purchased in this regard.
Earlier, PM Modi had noticeably reduced the size of his convoy during his recent visits to Gujarat and Assam. The reduced convoys were seen in Vadodara and Guwahati. The report further stated that the scaling down of the convoy was executed while ensuring that mandatory security protocols were not compromised.
BJP-ruled states follow suit
However, austerity measures are not limited only to the PM’s convoy. Similar directions have been issued by the Chief Ministers of BJP-ruled states, including Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, stated the report, adding that Union Minister CR Patil has also decided to stop using an escort vehicle as part of the austerity measure.
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Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma has ordered that only a minimum number of cars should be used in his convoy, following PM Modi's push for austerity amid the West Asia crisis. On Wednesday, the Chief Minister was seen moving in a reduced cavalcade of five cars.
An official spokesperson said Sharma has instructed that no unnecessary vehicles should be used in his convoy, which must be kept to a minimum.
Similar instructions have been issued to the chief secretary and other state officials, the spokesperson said.
Delhi Ministers respond
Meanwhile, Delhi Tourism Minister Kapil Mishra on Wednesday travelled by Metro, as he vowed to use only public transport or one official vehicle when required, in line with PM Modi's austerity push.
Mishra said Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and all her cabinet ministers had started implementing the Prime Minister's appeal with commitment.
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"I will use public transport or only one government vehicle when necessary," he said.
The development comes a day after Gupta on X announced restrictions on the use of official vehicles by ministers, party MLAs, and other public representatives in the national capital.
Gupta said she and her cabinet colleagues would minimise the use of official vehicles and prioritise carpooling and public transport.
Delhi Education Minister Ashish Sood also travelled by Metro on Tuesday for an inspection visit.
Public appeal
The development comes days after PM Modi on Sunday urged people to adopt austerity measures while addressing a BJP rally in Hyderabad, Telangana. Stressing the need to conserve foreign exchange reserves and reduce external dependence, the Prime Minister asked citizens to cut down on petrol and diesel consumption and make greater use of Metro rail services, carpooling, electric vehicles and railway parcel networks. He also encouraged work-from-home arrangements wherever feasible.
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PM Modi further appealed to the public to defer non-essential foreign travel and gold purchases for at least a year, saying such steps would help protect the country’s reserves.
He also called for reduced consumption of edible oil, lower reliance on chemical fertilisers, promotion of natural farming and greater use of swadeshi products. He said the Centre was working to shield citizens from the fallout of the West Asia crisis.
(With agency inputs)