Mizoram Implements Austerity Measures to Reduce Fuel Consumption

Aizawl: The Mizoram government is rolling out new austerity measures to curb fuel consumption and limit spending in response to the international situation in West Asia. Following an appeal from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the state has ordered a weekly No Official Vehicle Day each Wednesday. On this day, government employees are encouraged to commute by walking or utilizing public transportation.

New administrative guidelines require departments to allow 20 percent of their staff to work from home. Essential sectors such as healthcare, emergency response, law enforcement, and utility services are exempt from this mandate. To further address traffic congestion and lower fuel usage, offices have been split into two shifts. One group will function from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, while the second group will operate from 10:30 am to 6 pm.

State officials are also moving toward digital collaboration to cut costs. Departments are instructed to prioritize video conferencing over in-person meetings and minimize official travel both inside and outside the state. Ministers and senior staff have been advised to shorten their vehicle convoys, and foreign travel for government employees is now discouraged.

Additional energy-saving protocols require staff to switch off all electrical appliances after business hours. The government has also called for a reduction in non-essential spending, advising departments to avoid holding celebratory functions while these austerity measures remain in place.