Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi today issued an eight-point directive for all departments of the state government to reduce fuel consumption in view of the global energy crisis caused by the Middle East conflict.

As part of the directive, the departments have been asked to hold meetings, workshops and other events through virtual mode.

Similarly, the departments have been asked to opt for Electric Vehicles (EVs) while buying new two-wheelers and four-wheelers for official uses. Besides, it has been made mandatory that the departments will hire only EVs if there is a requirement.

The Chief Minister has asked the officials of the state government to adopt ‘vehicle pooling’ or ride-sharing’ wherever possible. However, the senior officials will be allowed to use government vehicles personally.  The Finance Department will issue an advisory in this regard within 15 days.

The officials have been told to depend upon bus or train services for visiting distance places.

The Finance Department will also frame a guideline for allowing the government employees to use their personal EVs for official tours.

In addition to this, the state government will take necessary steps for providing e-Bus services to its employees to reach their offices.

Finally, the government departments and offices have asked to introduce appropriate measures for reducing the fuel consumption by at least 10 per cent.

The eight-point directive will be applicable for all government departments, offices, universities, organizations and undertakings, said the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO).

It is worth mentioning here that the Chief Minister has already reduced his convoy size by half as part of the fuel conservation measures.