In a significant push towards austerity and energy conservation, the Maharashtra government has announced a series of measures aimed at reducing administrative expenses and curbing unnecessary use of public
resources. The decisions were taken at two high-level meetings chaired by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday, following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent appeal for fuel and foreign exchange conservation. Senior officials, including the Chief Secretary and Director General of Police, were present during the meetings where the government reviewed expenditure patterns and discussed ways to promote efficiency across departments. Among the most notable decisions is the immediate reductionof vehicle convoys attached to the Chief Minister and all state ministers by 50 per cent. The state government has also directed police authorities to ensure that convoy sizes during district tours and official visits remain strictly within prescribed limits. Responsibility for implementation has been placed on respective Police Commissioners and Superintendents of Police. The government has simultaneously decided to halt foreign tours by ministers and senior officials until further notice. Officials said the move is intended to reduce avoidable expenditure and promote financial discipline within the administration. In another important decision, ministers have been advised to avoid the use of government aircraft and helicopters unless absolutely necessary. Instead, they have been asked to rely on regular commercial flight services for official travel. The Chief Minister has also pushed for greater use of public transport within the administration. Ministers and officials have been encouraged to travel by Metro and other public transport systems, with an initial directive asking them to adopt the practice for at least one day as part of a broader behavioural shift. The government has further stressed reducing unnecessary travel for official meetings. Departments have been instructed to conduct maximum meetings through video conferencing instead of calling officers physically from different parts of the state. As part of the exercise, the administration will conduct a comprehensive review of all government-allotted vehicles to identify excess allocation and prevent misuse. The state has also linked the exercise with energy conservation efforts. Authorities have been directed to intensify action against unnecessary hoardings and flex boards, while ensuring decorative lighting on such structures is minimised to reduce power consumption. The decisions are being viewed as part of the Maharashtra government’s attempt to project administrative restraint while aligning itself with the Centre’s larger conservation and cost-cutting agenda.
