Bhubaneswar, 22 May (H.S.) Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has issued an eight-point directive to government departments aimed at significantly curbing petrol and diesel consumption. This initiative builds on his earlier efforts, which included halving his official convoy and appealing to the public for fuel conservation, and responds to the prevailing situation in West Asia and the Prime Minister's national call to reduce fuel use.

On Thursday night, the Chief Minister directed the Chief Secretary to implement these measures across all government offices and departments.

Key Highlights of the 8-Point Directive

1. Virtual Meetings to be Preferred

Official meetings, review sessions, training programs, and workshops are to be conducted virtually. Physical attendance will be limited to essential personnel, with others participating online.

2. Mandatory Purchase of EVs from June 1, 2026

From June 1, 2026, all new two-wheelers and four-wheelers purchased by government offices must be electric vehicles (EVs), with exceptions granted only under extraordinary circumstances. This mandate also applies to all four-wheelers hired by government offices on a rental basis.

3. Carpooling for Senior Officials

Senior officers with government vehicles for personal official use are required to carpool, utilizing a single vehicle for commuting. The sanctioned expenditure for vehicle usage will be proportionately reduced.

4. Fresh Guidelines on Government Vehicle Eligibility

The Finance Department will issue detailed guidelines within 15 days, specifying eligibility criteria for senior officials to use government vehicles for personal purposes.

5. Preference for Bus and Rail Travel

Officials and employees undertaking official travel to distant locations are encouraged to use public transport (buses or railways) instead of individual vehicles.

6. Policy for Use of Personal EVs for Official Work

The Finance Department is tasked with preparing guidelines for officials using their privately owned electric vehicles for government work.

7. Electric Bus Services for Employees

Electric bus or minibus services will be arranged to transport government employees from residential areas with high staff concentrations to their workplaces.

8. Target of Minimum 10% Reduction in Fuel Consumption

All government offices are directed to implement well-planned measures to achieve a minimum 10 percent reduction in monthly petrol and diesel consumption for official vehicles.

The Chief Minister has mandated the strict implementation of these directives across all levels of administration throughout the state, encompassing the State Secretariat, sub-divisions, tehsils, block offices, government departments, public sector undertakings, institutions, universities, and committees.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda