Uttarakhand Cabinet Approves Major Measures Including Work From Home, No Vehicle Day and New EV Policy
Dehradun: Arunoday Times
In a cabinet meeting chaired by Pushkar Singh Dhami, the Uttarakhand government took several major decisions aimed at energy conservation, fuel savings and economic self-reliance. The Chief Minister said that global developments after the Covid pandemic, including the Russia-Ukraine war and ongoing tensions in West Asia, have disrupted global supply chains of fuel, food and fertilizers, impacting India as well.
He said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged citizens to support national efforts through small but practical lifestyle changes. Following this vision, the state government has decided to implement several short-term and long-term corrective measures with immediate effect.
Work From Home and Video Conferencing to be Promoted
The government has decided to prioritize video conferencing-based meetings in government departments. The private sector will also be encouraged to adopt a work-from-home culture to reduce fuel consumption. Citizens will be motivated to use public transport as much as possible.
‘No Vehicle Day’ Once a Week
The number of vehicles in the Chief Minister’s and ministers’ fleets will be reduced by half. A weekly “No Vehicle Day” will also be observed, during which the Chief Minister and ministers will work from home. Citizens will be encouraged to avoid using private vehicles for one day every week. The government has also stressed limited use of air conditioners in government and private buildings.
“One Officer, One Vehicle” Policy
The Transport Department has been directed to increase the number and capacity of public bus services. Government employees will be encouraged to use public transport. Officers handling multiple departments will be allowed to use only one vehicle in a day.
New EV Policy to be Introduced Soon
The state government has decided to bring an effective Electric Vehicle policy to promote EV adoption. Fifty percent of all new government vehicles purchased will compulsorily be electric vehicles. The government will also rapidly expand EV charging stations and related infrastructure across the state.
Restrictions on Foreign Tours, Boost to Domestic Tourism
Official foreign tours by government departments will be restricted. Under the “Visit My State” campaign, domestic tourism will be promoted aggressively. Religious, heritage, wellness, rural and eco-tourism circuits will be widely promoted across Uttarakhand. The government also decided to encourage destination weddings and introduce a single-window clearance system.
“Mera Bharat, Mera Yogdan” Awareness Campaign
The state government will launch public awareness campaigns such as “Mera Bharat, Mera Yogdan.” Under the “Made in State” initiative, emphasis will be laid on boosting the sale of local products. Strict compliance with “Make in India” norms in government procurement will also be ensured. Citizens will also be encouraged to limit gold purchases for one year.
Focus on Reducing Edible Oil Consumption
The government will spread awareness about the health benefits of low-oil food. Schools, hospitals and government canteens will review and reduce oil usage in food preparation. Hotels, dhabas and street food vendors will also be encouraged to introduce “low-oil menus.”
Push for Natural Farming and Clean Energy
Farmers will be trained in natural farming, zero-budget farming and bio-inputs. Awareness campaigns will be conducted on balanced fertilizer use and soil health conservation.
The state government will also increase PNG gas connections in mission mode and prioritize PNG usage in hotels, restaurants and government residences. Rooftop solar projects under the PM Surya Ghar scheme will be promoted extensively. Panchayati Raj and Rural Development departments have been directed to encourage biogas plants.
The cabinet also decided to fast-track approvals for mining, solar and power projects. A high-power committee headed by the Chief Secretary will clear proposals within 60 days.
