Vijayawada: From encouraging the use of EVs to urging govt officials to cover short distances on foot or on bicycle, the Andhra Pradesh govt on Thursday announced a set of voluntary austerity measures for public representatives, officials, and citizens.The cabinet meeting, headed by chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu, discussed various proposals to align with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call for national responsibility amid the prevailing war situation and global uncertainty.Information and public relations minister Kolusu Parthasarathy said the CM outlined the measures to be taken by everyone. “The initiative is part of the PM’s ‘My Nation, My Responsibility’ call. The CM suggested that public representatives and officials should lead by example by reducing vehicle usage, limiting convoy sizes, conducting more virtual meetings, and observing ‘No Vehicle Friday’ once a week,” Parthasarathy said, adding that the govt is aiming to reduce fuel consumption, protect foreign exchange reserves, and minimise the impact of global disruptions on imports such as oil, gas, and fertilisers.As part of the drive, the govt will encourage the use of electric vehicles, the adoption of solar power, and environment-friendly practices such as walking and cycling, especially for short distances, during official tours. “The CM has suggested that ministers and officials commute by bicycle to the secretariat at least once a week to set an example. The govt is reviewing fuel usage limits across departments and will prefer EVs for new govt vehicle purchases. Awareness campaigns will be launched across the state,” Parthasarathy added.He said educational institutions will be encouraged to observe two ‘no-vehicle days’ once a week, while large institutions and universities could consider online classes as part of energy conservation. The govt is also examining the feasibility of work-from-home options for select departments twice a week.Calling for restraint in discretionary spending, the minister urged people to reduce foreign travel, promote domestic tourism, and prefer indigenous products. He also appealed for self-regulation in gold purchases, citing the impact of gold imports on foreign exchange reserves. “The govt will accelerate the installation of rooftop solar panels under the Surya Ghar scheme. Farmers are advised to reduce fertiliser usage by adopting nano and organic fertilisers,” Parthasarathy said.While the govt is implementing austerity measures on a priority basis, some officials from the departments concerned failed to attend the cabinet meeting, which irked the CM. Sources said Naidu sought an explanation from CMO officials and directed them to take action on those who skipped the meeting.
