By NE NOW NEWS
Aizawl: The Mizoram government has introduced a series of austerity measures, including a weekly “No Official Vehicle Day”, staggered office timings and partial work-from-home arrangements, as part of efforts to conserve fuel and reduce expenditure amid the ongoing West Asia crisis.
The directives, issued by the General Administration Department (GAD), came into effect on Thursday following concerns over global instability and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeal for fuel conservation and economic stability, an official said.
Under the new measures, every Wednesday will be observed as “No Official Vehicle Day”, during which government employees and officials have been encouraged to walk or use public transport instead of official vehicles.
The government has also directed departments to implement work-from-home arrangements for 20 per cent of employees.
Essential services, including healthcare, emergency response, water and power supply, transport services and law enforcement agencies, have been exempted from the work-from-home measures.
To reduce traffic congestion and fuel consumption, government offices will now function in two separate shifts.
According to officials, 20 departments, including agriculture, education, power and the General Administration Department, will operate from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, while another 20 departments, including home, health and disaster management, will function from 10.30 am to 6 pm.
The government has also instructed departments to prioritise video conferencing over physical meetings and minimise official travel within and outside the state. Foreign travel by government employees and officials under state establishments has also been discouraged.
Chief Minister Lalduhoma, ministers and senior officials have been asked to reduce vehicle convoys as part of the cost-cutting measures.
The order further directed government offices to adopt strict power-saving practices, including switching off lights, fans and electrical appliances after office hours. Air conditioners are to be used only when necessary.
Departments have also been advised to avoid celebratory functions and reduce non-essential expenditure wherever feasible, including in government healthcare institutions.