Collector shifts meetings online amid PM’s austerity call

Nagpur: Responding to PM Narendra Modi's call for economical use of fuel amid the ongoing West Asia crisis, district collector Kumar Ashirwad has directed govt departments to maximise video conferencing and reduce avoidable travel in a bid to conserve petrol and diesel.As part of the district administration's austerity measures, officials have been encouraged to conduct meetings virtually wherever possible, especially those involving taluka-level participation. The collector also appealed to those capable of doing so to opt for bicycles or two-wheelers to reduce fuel consumption."Meetings at the headquarters may continue offline where necessary, but employees from taluka areas need not travel long distances and spend fuel unnecessarily. Conducting such meetings online can lead to significant savings," Ashirwad said.He clarified that field inspections and visits to project sites would continue as they remain essential for administrative efficiency. However, departments have been instructed to avoid large-scale events and unnecessary gatherings. The collector also indicated that steps may be taken to alter menus at govt canteens to reduce cooking oil consumption.The move follows a broader push across the state after the PM appealed for prudent fuel usage amid global uncertainties. Political leaders, too, have adopted visible fuel-saving measures. Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, who generally travels with a large convoy, recently rode a motorcycle from Varsha residence to Vidhan Bhavan, while Union Minister Nitin Gadkari inspected the Pandharpur Palkhi route by bus. Several ministers and dignitaries have also reportedly reduced convoy sizes and promoted public transport and electric vehicles.