Maharashtra Govt Announces Austerity Measures Amid West Asia Crisis, Ministers’ Convoys Cut by 50%

In response to the escalating crisis in West Asian countries and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeal for fuel conservation and greater use of indigenous resources, the Maharashtra government has announced a series of strict austerity measures aimed at reducing fuel consumption, cutting public expenditure, and promoting energy efficiency.

As part of the immediate measures, the number of vehicles in the convoy of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and all state ministers has been reduced by 50% with immediate effect. The state government has also made it clear that during outstation visits and official tours, convoy vehicles must remain within the prescribed limit, with police commissioners and district superintendents being held directly responsible for compliance.

In a major cost-cutting move, all approved foreign tours of ministers and senior government officials have been cancelled. The government has also directed departments not to plan any new overseas visits in the near future. Ministers have been instructed to avoid using chartered aircraft or helicopters unless absolutely necessary and instead opt for regular commercial flights.

Taking austerity a step further, the government has mandated that ministers and senior officials must use public transport, including metro services, suburban local trains, or public buses, at least once every week as part of efforts to reduce fuel usage and encourage public transportation.

The government circular also outlines several administrative and energy-saving measures. Government meetings, training sessions, and seminars have been advised to shift to video conferencing or online platforms wherever possible to minimise travel. No new consultants will be appointed for the next six months as part of expenditure control measures.

To promote sustainable energy use, departments have been directed to prioritise electric vehicles for official rentals and fast-track approvals for EV charging infrastructure. Air conditioners in government offices must be maintained between 24 and 26 degrees Celsius, while lights, fans, computers, and AC units must be switched off after office hours.

The circular also includes broader public and environmental directives. Hotels and restaurants in Mumbai and other major cities are being encouraged to adopt PNG (Piped Natural Gas), while police have been asked not to permit vehicle rallies or two-wheeler processions. Decorative lighting for hoardings, banners, and flex boards has been discouraged, and the use of DG sets for advertising displays has been restricted.

Additionally, the government has called for reducing edible oil consumption in canteens and hostels by revising menus, encouraging organic and natural farming to reduce dependence on chemical fertilisers, and accelerating rooftop solar installations under the Pradhan Mantri Suryaghar scheme.

Officials said the measures are intended not only to ease the burden on the state treasury but also to send a strong message on environmental responsibility and energy conservation. With the Chief Minister leading by example, the government says the initiative reflects administrative discipline and a commitment to national interest amid global uncertainty.