Yogi urges his ministers to use public transport once a week

Lucknow: A day after asking his ministers and senior officials to cut their vehicle fleet by 50%, CM Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday urged his cabinet colleagues to use public transport at least once a week to cut fuel consumption.Chairing the first meeting of the expanded state cabinet, Yogi asked ministers to use the Metro, buses, e-rickshaws, bicycles or carpool on a designated day every week to send a positive message to the public and encourage wider participation in fuel-saving measures. He also directed ministers and senior officials to avoid foreign tours for the next six months except in unavoidable circumstances.The CM also advocated adopting a “work from home” system for at least two days a week in institutions employing more than 50 people.Issuing a series of directives aimed at making governance more disciplined, accountable and resource-conscious, Yogi said fuel conservation was not merely an economic requirement but a national responsibility in view of the prevailing global circumstances.Referring to PM Narendra Modi’s appeal to reduce petrol and diesel consumption, Yogi said the Uttar Pradesh cabinet must lead by example.Yogi emphasised greater use of digital and virtual platforms in governance. He directed that inter-district meetings, training programmes and meetings of standing committees of the Legislative Assembly and Legislative Council be conducted in hybrid mode wherever possible.At the secretariat and directorate levels, Yogi called for need-based use of airconditioners and elevators. He advised maintaining AC temperatures between 24 and 26 degrees Celsius and encouraged maximum use of natural light in govt offices.Highlighting energy conservation and environmental balance as key administrative priorities, Yogi stressed the need for large-scale adoption of solar energy and expansion of awareness campaigns in residential colonies, schools and colleges.The CM also advocated austerity in social functions and promotion of the local economy. He urged people to prefer domestic venues for weddings and ceremonies to reduce unnecessary expenditure and generate local employment.Invoking the “Vocal for Local” campaign, Yogi directed ministers to use only products manufactured within Uttar Pradesh as official gifts. Referring to the state’s One District-One Product initiative, he said locally made, high-quality products should be prioritised.The CM also directed officials to prioritise PNG connections over LPG cylinders and asked departments to introduce necessary policy changes at the earliest. He further stressed expanding PNG connectivity to commercial users.Calling for reduced dependence on imported goods, Yogi underlined the need to promote oilseed production, natural farming and balanced use of chemical fertilisers. He also appealed for reduced consumption of edible oils, discouragement of unnecessary gold imports and expansion of rainwater harvesting as a mass movement.Yogi said public representatives bear the highest level of accountability in governance, as people constantly assess the conduct and performance of ministers and leaders.With the 2027 UP Assembly elections in mind, Yogi said ministers had limited time and were expected to deliver exceptional performance.He advised newly inducted ministers to maintain regular interaction with senior colleagues, learn from their experience and develop an effective working style. He also directed cabinet ministers to consult their respective ministers of state on departmental policy matters.