Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Thursday announced a two-day mandatory work-from-home policy for government employees as part of a broader energy conservation and austerity drive. The private sector has also been urged to adopt similar measures.
The announcement comes days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi called for more prudent fuel use and reduced waste.
The Delhi government said the measures aim to reduce fuel consumption, ease traffic congestion, and cut administrative expenses.
As part of the initiative, fuel allowances for government officials will be reduced by 20 per cent. Ministers and government staff will also be encouraged to use the Delhi Metro every Monday under a “Metro Monday” campaign.
The government has appealed to residents to observe one “No Vehicle Day” each week.
Delhi government offices will now function from 10:30 am to 7 pm, while Municipal Corporation of Delhi offices will operate from 8:30 am to 5 pm to help stagger traffic during peak hours.
Authorities also plan to move 50 per cent of official meetings online to reduce routine travel between offices.
Additional measures include a six-month freeze on the purchase of new official vehicles, reduced motorcade sizes, and a one-year suspension of official foreign visits by ministers and government officials.
Government offices will also implement energy-saving steps such as maintaining air conditioning temperatures between 24 and 26 degrees Celsius and installing sensor-based switches to reduce unnecessary electricity use.
The administration has advised traders to shift freight transport from road to rail wherever possible to cut diesel consumption.
The Delhi government will also launch a 90-day “Made in India” awareness campaign from May 15 to promote domestic products in malls, supermarkets, schools, and colleges.