Sikkim goes Odd-Even in austerity drive

BIJOY GURUNG

CM announces 50% cut in official carcade, Work From Home for employees

GANGTOK, : Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang-Golayhas announced a 50 per cent reduction in his official carcade and the implementation of an odd-even traffic movement system across all districts as part of a series of austerity measures aimed at fuel conservation and responsible governance in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeal for adopting austerity measures.

The decisions were taken during an emergency meeting convened at Samman Bhawan on Thursday, attended by Cabinet Ministers, MLAs, the Chief Secretary, Director General of Police, heads of departments, District Collectors and Superintendents of Police, while officials from other districts joined virtually.

In compliance with the appeal made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi for adopting austerity measures, and to demonstrate our commitment towards the national service and responsible governance, I have decided to reduce the number of vehicles in my official carcade by 50%, which will significantly contribute towards fuel conservation, shared the Chief Minister on his official social media page.

The District Collectors and Superintendents of Police were directed not to undertake protocol duties during the Chief Minister’s inter-district tours.

After detailed deliberations at the meeting, several temporary measures were adopted in the larger interest of fuel conservation, administrative efficiency, and national responsibility.

As part of these austerity measures, the pilot vehicles assigned to the Speaker and Deputy Speaker will be withdrawn, and fuel consumption for vehicles allotted to all Ministers and MLAs will be reduced by 20% to support the collective effort towards fuel conservation and responsible governance.

Pool vehicle services would be introduced in government departments and walking for nearby meetings and events would be encouraged. There will be an emphasis on greater use of public transportation and increased reliance on virtual meetings and digital coordination.

All OSDs and chairpersons are to remain stationed in their respective constituencies while avoiding unnecessary travel. Government employees are restricted from inter-district travel and out-of-State movement using government vehicles unless absolutely necessary.

Work From Home for 50% employees wherever feasible would be implemented and Saturdays and Sundays are to be maintained as non-working days during which government vehicles would not ply. Additionally, the odd-even vehicle rule will be implemented across all districts.

“These measures are temporary yet prudent steps aimed at promoting resource conservation, responsible administration, and collective contribution towards the nation during challenging times. However, emergency services shall remain exempted from these restrictions,” said the Chief Minister.

“I humbly appeal to the people of Sikkim to wholeheartedly support and abide by these decisions taken in the larger interest of our State and the nation. These are challenging times, and collective responsibility, discipline, and cooperation from every citizen will make a meaningful difference.Let us come together to conserve resources, reduce unnecessary fuel consumption, and set an example of unity and patriotism for the rest of the country,” appealed the Chief Minister.

BOX

Fuel Saving Measures

- Number of vehicles in CM’s official convoy reduced by 50%

- Pilot vehicles assigned to the Speaker and Deputy Speaker withdrawn

- Fuel consumption for vehicles allotted to all Ministers and MLAs reduced by 20%

- Introduction of pool vehicle services in Government departments and encouraging walking for nearby meetings and events.

- Greater use of public transportation and increased reliance on virtual meetings and digital coordination

- All OSDs and Chairpersons remain stationed in their respective constituencies while avoiding unnecessary travel

- Government employees to be restricted from inter-district travel and out-of-State movement using Government vehicles unless absolutely necessary

- Implement ‘Work From Home’ for 50% of employees wherever feasible, suspend foreign travel for one year, and maintain Saturdays and Sundays as non-working days during which government vehicles shall not ply

- Odd-even vehicle rule will be implemented across all districts