New Delhi: In a significant move to promote fuel conservation and efficient governance, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced on Thursday that all government offices in the national capital will implement a two-day work-from-home schedule every week. The decision, which takes effect immediately, follows a national appeal by Prime Minister Narendra Modi for austerity and “wise spending” amidst rising global energy uncertainties. The Chief Minister emphasized that the initiative is part of a broader campaign titled “Mera Bharat, Mera Yogdan,” designed to reduce the city’s carbon footprint and minimize unnecessary public expenditure.
Beyond the new remote work arrangements, the Delhi government has rolled out several additional measures to rein in fuel consumption. Every Monday has been designated as “Monday Metro,” during which all cabinet ministers, senior officers, and government employees are required to commute using the Delhi Metro. Furthermore, a 20 per cent cut in the petrol and diesel quotas for government-run vehicles has been proposed, and the administration has committed to a six-month moratorium on the purchase of any new petrol, diesel, or electric vehicles for official use.
The Chief Minister also urged the private sector to adopt similar two-day work-from-home models to bolster the city’s collective conservation efforts. To further reduce travel, at least 50 per cent of official government meetings will now be conducted online. While essential services will remain unaffected by these changes, the Labour Department will actively monitor compliance across various departments to ensure the targets for fuel saving are met. The government has also appealed to the general public to observe a voluntary “No Vehicle Day” once a week to assist in reducing the city’s overall fuel bill.
During a press conference at Bharat Mandapam, Chief Minister Gupta noted that the current geopolitical climate, particularly the ongoing disruptions in West Asia, necessitates a proactive approach to economic resilience. She stated that energy conservation is a responsibility linked to the national interest and that the Delhi government is fully committed to promoting public transport and carpooling. By streamlining administrative operations and embracing digital workflows, the administration hopes to set a benchmark for other states in balancing governance with environmental and economic sustainability.
