Odisha govt requires official use of EVs, encourages virtual meetings.

In an effort to reduce expenses and promote sustainability, the Odisha government has recently released an eight-point directive. These measures, mandated by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, aim to cut down on fuel consumption and encourage the use of electric vehicles across all government departments. Inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's appeal to spend wisely, Chief Minister Majhi has already taken steps to reduce the size of his official convoy.

Following his lead, the chief minister has now directed the chief secretary to ensure a 10 per cent reduction in fuel consumption by all government departments. According to the Chief Minister's Office, virtual meetings and conferences will now become the norm for government officials, with physical attendance being reserved for essential personnel only. This move not only promotes safety in the current pandemic situation, but also reduces the need for travel and therefore, fuel consumption.

Starting June 1, it will become mandatory for all official two-wheelers and four-wheelers to be electric. In addition, government employees will be required to use electric vehicles when hiring for official purposes. However, in certain special circumstances, the purchase of petrol or diesel vehicles may still be allowed.

To further promote sustainability, senior officials who have been allotted government vehicles will now be required to carpool and commute using a single vehicle. The allocation for the use of official vehicles will also be reduced accordingly. The Finance Department will be responsible for issuing guidelines regarding which categories of senior officers are entitled to government vehicles.

The directive also encourages officials and employees to choose public transportation, such as buses or trains, for official travel to distant locations. Additionally, guidelines will be put in place to allow officers who own electric vehicles to use them for official purposes. The government also plans to introduce electric bus and minibus services for employees commuting to offices, particularly in areas with a high concentration of government staff.

This move not only reduces fuel consumption, but also promotes sustainable transportation options for employees. The Chief Minister has emphasized that these measures must be strictly implemented across all government and government-aided institutions, public sector undertakings, universities, and societies in the state. The state secretariat will lead by example in implementing these changes.

With a focus on reducing monthly petrol and diesel consumption for government vehicles by at least 10 per cent, the Odisha government is taking a significant step towards promoting sustainability and reducing expenses. These measures will not only benefit the environment, but also contribute to a more efficient and responsible use of resources in the state.