PM Modi orders cut in his SPG convoy, pushes for EVs after national austerity call
PTC News Desk: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has directed the Special Protection Group (SPG), which handles his security, to increase the use of electric vehicles (EVs) in his official convoy. However, he reportedly instructed that no new vehicles should be purchased for this purpose.
According to reports, the SPG has started implementing these directions while ensuring that the safety norms mentioned in the “Blue Book” are fully followed.
The austerity measures are now being adopted by several Bharatiya Janata Party-ruled states as well. Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma and Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav have also decided to reduce the number of vehicles in their official convoys.
Amid rising global crude oil prices and the energy crisis linked to the US-Iran war, PM Modi recently urged people to make “nationally responsible” lifestyle choices to help the country deal with economic uncertainty, supply chain disruptions and inflation.
He encouraged citizens to support local products and asked, “How can the nation progress if we depend on imports for everything?” The Prime Minister also appealed to people to avoid unnecessary gold purchases for one year in order to reduce pressure on foreign exchange reserves.
He further advised citizens to avoid foreign travel, overseas vacations and destination weddings abroad, saying that conserving foreign exchange reserves is a patriotic duty. At the same time, he promoted domestic tourism and celebrations within India.
- With inputs from agencies
