Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Thursday announced a reduction in the size of his official convoy after Prime Minister Narendra Modi appealed for fuel and energy conservation amid the ongoing West Asia conflict.
The Chief Minister said the Governor’s decision to reduce vehicles in his convoy was a positive move. He added that the state government had already begun taking several steps to cut down expenses and conserve resources.
During his visit to Mandi for campaigning in the Municipal Corporation elections, CM Sukhu interacted with reporters after meeting members of the Vyapar Mandal. He said he personally travels in a compact electric vehicle, which is economical and environmentally friendly compared to petrol vehicles. He added that convoy sizes of ministers had already been reduced. The government has also implemented a temporary salary cut of 30 per cent for ministers and 20 per cent for MLAs as part of financial discipline measures aimed at achieving economic self-reliance.
“It is good that the Governor has also reduced his convoy. We have already reduced salaries of ministers by 30 per cent and MLAs by 20 per cent. Financial cuts have been introduced, and I have directed that my convoy size be reduced as well,” Sukhu told reporters.
Targeting the opposition BJP, the Chief Minister alleged that the previous government had wasted public funds through unnecessary spending. He claimed that several buildings worth thousands of crores were built but are of little public use today. He said while the BJP aspires to return to power, it must first regain public trust.
Sukhu also said Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced a relief package of Rs 1,500 crore for Himachal Pradesh, which the state is yet to receive. He alleged that BJP leaders remain silent on the issue, while his government continues to raise the matter and protect the state’s interests. He expressed confidence that ongoing economic reforms would soon show positive results.
Several ministers in Himachal Pradesh have also decided to significantly reduce the size of their security convoys as part of efforts to conserve fuel.
Also read: Municipal polls: Anurag Thakur to lead BJP campaign in Himachal
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