The government will also prepare an action plan to strengthen EV charging infrastructure and expedite approvals for pending charging station proposals. Representational file image
| Photo Credit: The Hindu
The Bharatiya Janata Party government in Rajasthan on Saturday (May 23, 2026) introduced austerity measures to conserve petrol and diesel amid the West Asia conflict by banning foreign travels of Ministers and officials and promoting video conferencing and digital governance.
A circular issued by the Finance Department laid down guidelines to reduce government expenditure and conserve fuel. Under the new policy, all future purchases by government departments and public institutions will be for electric vehicles (EVs), which will replace the existing petrol and diesel vehicles in a phased manner.
The circular, issued by Principal Finance Secretary Vaibhav Galriya, gave instructions for car-pooling for officials and employees, restriction of meetings and events within government premises, reduction in the number of government convoys and the use of official portals to reduce paper-based correspondence.
The officials and employees travelling in the same direction were directed to use car-pooling for commuting, while the government departments, autonomous bodies and public sector undertakings will no longer be allowed to organise meetings or events in hotels.
The circular stated that all dignitaries entitled to convoys must further cut non-essential vehicles. The government will also prepare an action plan to strengthen EV charging infrastructure and expedite approvals for pending charging station proposals.
The training programmes for government officials will now be conducted online instead of gathering staff at one location, according to the circular. The State Government will promote rooftop solar installations under the PM Surya Ghar scheme, while a campaign will be launched to reduce non-agricultural use of urea and encourage balanced fertiliser consumption.
Laying emphasis on energy conservation, the circular directed the officers and employees to switch off lights, fans, coolers and air conditioners before leaving offices. Besides, the government offices will gradually install solar plants to meet electricity requirements, as per the circular.
Published – May 23, 2026 11:45 pm IST
