By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, May 14: Amid Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call for austerity measures, Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Thursday said his own security convoy has been cut down further to reduce fuel consumption and unnecessary expenditure.
Speaking to reporters, Sangma said Meghalaya was perhaps among the first few states in the country to have already been functioning in an austerity mode even before the Prime Minister’s recent appeal in view of growing global uncertainty arising out of the continuing conflict in West Asia.
He said the ongoing war and prevailing international situation had created uncertainty across nations, although India remained in a comparatively stronger position than many countries. According to the CM, the Government of India has indicated that the country currently has sufficient energy stocks, but stressed that the situation should not be taken for granted.
Sangma said the Prime Minister’s message was not intended to create panic but to encourage preparedness in case the global situation worsens further.
He appealed to citizens to cooperate with the measures wherever possible and said every individual had a responsibility to contribute towards ensuring national stability during uncertain times.
The Chief Minister said Meghalaya has generally maintained smaller convoys and comparatively lower vehicle usage than larger states due to its size and lesser requirements.
He said most government departments in the state were already operating with minimal utility and comparatively lower expenditure, but added that efforts would continue to further reduce non-essential spending and fuel consumption.
Sangma also stressed the need to gradually shift towards electric vehicles and alternative technologies, stating that the government has been encouraging greater adoption of EVs.
He further said he was personally studying the possibility of introducing ethanol-powered generators as an alternative source for power backup systems.
According to him, difficult situations should also be viewed as opportunities to adopt more efficient technologies and systems.
Sangma acknowledged that austerity measures may cause inconvenience to some people but maintained that responsible citizens should contribute towards safeguarding the country’s economic stability.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently urged citizens to voluntarily adopt austerity measures amid concerns over rising global oil prices and supply chain disruptions caused by the continuing conflict in West Asia.
The appeal reportedly focused on reducing fuel consumption, limiting unnecessary expenditure, cutting down on foreign travel and encouraging the use of local products to help protect the country’s foreign exchange reserves and economic stability.
