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 cut 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, officials 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 avoid using official vehicles and instead walk or use public transport wherever possible.
The government has also directed departments to implement work-from-home arrangements for 20 per cent of employees in a phased manner.
Essential services such as healthcare, emergency response, water and electricity supply, transport operations and law enforcement agencies have been exempted from the work-from-home provisions.
Also read: 17 convicts freed on fake court orders in Mizoram Jail scam
To reduce fuel consumption and ease traffic congestion, government offices in the state will now function in two separate shifts.
According to officials, around 20 departments, including agriculture, education, power and the General Administration Department, will operate from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. Another 20 departments, including home, health and disaster management, will function from 10:30 am to 6 pm.
Departments have also been instructed to prioritise video conferencing instead of physical meetings and minimise official travel within and outside the state.
The order further discouraged foreign travel by government employees and officials working under state establishments.
Chief Minister Lalduhoma, ministers and senior officials have additionally been asked to reduce the size of vehicle convoys as part of broader cost-cutting efforts.
The government has also directed offices to adopt strict power-saving measures, including switching off lights, fans and electrical appliances after office hours, while air conditioners are to be used only when necessary.
Departments have been advised to avoid celebratory functions and reduce non-essential expenditure, including in government healthcare institutions.
Follow us
