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A push towards austerity has begun at the highest level of government, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi reducing the size of his official convoy and asking security officials to limit vehicle deployment during his visits.
Sources said the Special Protection Group (SPG), responsible for the Prime Minister’s security, has been instructed to keep convoy numbers to the minimum required under security protocol.
The changes were reportedly visible during PM Modi’s recent visits to Assam for Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s swearing-in ceremony and to Gujarat for the Somnath Amrut Mahotsav event.
The decision comes days after the Prime Minister urged citizens to prepare for a difficult economic phase linked to the ongoing West Asia conflict.
During a programme in Hyderabad last week, PM Modi appealed to people to reduce fuel consumption by using public transport, opting for Metro travel, carpooling and electric vehicles. He also advised limiting non-essential gold purchases and prioritising domestic travel over overseas trips.
According to sources, Prime Minister Modi has additionally directed officials to introduce electric vehicles into his convoy as part of efforts to cut fuel use.
The move also follows criticism from opposition parties, which accused the government of asking citizens to accept austerity while avoiding similar sacrifices itself.
Officials indicated that the Prime Minister’s approach will likely influence the wider administration, with ministries and departments likely to adopt similar cost-cutting measures in the coming weeks.
Proposed steps include reducing ceremonial spending, encouraging shared transport and increasing the use of public transit for official travel.
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