Maharashtra's Austerity Drive: Government Tightens Fuel and Expense Regulations Amid Global Crisis

In response to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's call for austerity amidst the ongoing West Asian crisis affecting energy supplies, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has announced significant cost-cutting measures. The measures include halving the number of vehicles in ministerial convoys and canceling all upcoming foreign tours for ministers and officials.

During two high-level meetings, Fadnavis, alongside senior officials, decided that the state would intensify public transport usage and conduct most official meetings through video conferencing to conserve resources. Ministers are also encouraged to utilize the Mumbai Metro and commercial flights instead of government aircraft where possible.

The Opposition Congress has urged that these changes be implemented regularly and not just symbolically, suggesting even deeper integration of public transport usage among government officials. Fadnavis has emphasized a positive reception of these measures as necessary steps toward addressing global economic uncertainty and conserving foreign exchange.

(With inputs from agencies.)