MUMBAI: The Maharashtra government on Thursday issued a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for ministers and government employees in view of the ongoing conflict in West Asia, directing them to reduce fuel consumption, promote the use of electric vehicles (EVs), and shift from physical meetings to virtual ones.
As part of the measures, the state government has decided to cancel planned foreign tours of ministers. Departments have also been instructed not to plan any new overseas visits. The SOP further encourages ministers and employees to use EVs instead of fuel-powered vehicles for official travel.
Setting an example, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis travelled from his official residence, Varsha, to Mantralaya on a Bullet motorcycle instead of using his convoy. State minister Ashish Shelar accompanied him.
The SOP directs government officials and employees to minimise the use of vehicles for commuting and official tours. Officials travelling on duty have been asked to opt for carpooling instead of using separate vehicles. Where public transport is available, it should be preferred. Senior officials have also been advised to use public transport such as the metro, local trains, or state transport buses at least once a week.
To encourage wider adoption of EVs, the government has stressed the need to expand charging infrastructure across the state. Officials have been asked to establish charging stations at more locations and reduce charging costs to make EV use affordable. New charging stations planned under existing projects are also to be expedited.
The SOP further states that state-level and district-level meetings should preferably be conducted through video conferencing. Universities and colleges have also been encouraged to adopt online modes for meetings, discussions, and programmes.
In addition, the police department has been directed to stop granting permission for motorcycle rallies and celebratory processions organised by political parties or social organisations. The state publicity department has also been instructed to limit advertisements, billboards, and posters, while avoiding unnecessary expenditure during the current situation.
Government departments, including district and taluka revenue offices, have been directed to ensure proper ventilation and natural lighting in offices and reduce excessive use of electrical appliances. Air conditioners should be used sparingly, with temperatures maintained between 24 and 26 degrees Celsius. The SOP also calls for effective implementation of the Prime Minister’s solar energy schemes to promote solar power usage in households.
The directive additionally recommends reducing the use of cooking oil in official canteens, government-run schools, and hospitals. These institutions have been asked to revise meal menus to include dishes that require less oil. Farmers have also been encouraged to use natural manure instead of chemical fertilisers for cultivation.