Delhi government announces mandatory two-day work from home for employees, cuts fuel use and plans new austerity measures
The Delhi government on Thursday announced a series of austerity and fuel-saving measures, including mandatory work from home for government employees twice a week, amid rising global energy concerns linked to the ongoing West Asia conflict.
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta made the announcement during a press conference, stating that the measures were introduced in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeal for fuel conservation and responsible energy usage.
Gupta said the Delhi government has prepared a two-level strategy aimed at reducing fuel consumption and easing pressure on public resources.
Under the new measures, all Delhi government employees will work from home for two days every week. The government will also issue an advisory encouraging private companies to adopt similar work-from-home arrangements.
The Chief Minister said the use of government vehicles would be curtailed as part of the fuel-saving initiative. Petrol allocation for officials has also been reduced by 20 per cent from the existing limit of 200 litres.
In another major step, every Monday will now be observed as “Metro Monday” for ministers and government officials, encouraging the use of public transport instead of private vehicles.
The Delhi government has also revised office timings to reduce peak-hour traffic congestion across the city.
Government offices under the Delhi administration will now function from 10:30 am to 7 pm, while Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) offices will operate from 8:30 am to 5 pm.
Gupta appealed to residents to voluntarily observe one “No Vehicle Day” every week to help reduce fuel consumption and traffic-related pressure in the capital.
The government further announced that no new vehicles would be purchased for the next six months. To support employees using public transport, transport allowances will also be increased by 10 per cent.
The Chief Minister additionally urged traders and businesses to shift cargo transportation from trucks to railways wherever possible in order to reduce fuel dependency.
Gupta said the measures are intended to encourage public transport usage, conserve energy and prepare the city for possible economic challenges arising from the ongoing global situation.
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