Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has issued an eight-point directive to government departments aimed at significantly curbing petrol and diesel consumption. This initiative builds on his earlier efforts, such as halving his official convoy and appealing to the public for fuel conservation. It also addresses the prevailing situation in West Asia and the Prime Minister’s national call to reduce fuel use.
The Chief Minister directed the Chief Secretary to implement these measures across all government offices and departments.
Key Highlights of the 8-Point Directive
Virtual Meetings to be Preferred
Official meetings, review sessions, training programmes, and workshops are to be conducted virtually. Physical attendance will be limited to essential personnel, with others participating online.
Mandatory Purchase of EVs from June 1, 2026
From 1 June 2026, all new two-wheelers and four-wheelers purchased by government offices must be electric vehicles (EVs), with exceptions granted only under extraordinary circumstances. This mandate also applies to all four-wheelers hired by government offices on a rental basis.
Carpooling for Senior Officials
Senior officers authorised to use government vehicles for official duties are required to carpool, utilising a single vehicle for commuting. The sanctioned expenditure for vehicle usage will be proportionately reduced.
Fresh Guidelines on Government Vehicle Eligibility
The Finance Department will issue detailed guidelines within 15 days, specifying eligibility criteria for senior officials to use government vehicles for personal purposes.
Preference for Bus and Rail Travel
Officials and employees undertaking official travel to distant locations are encouraged to use public transport (buses or railways) instead of individual vehicles.
Policy for Use of Personal EVs for Official Work
The Finance Department is tasked with preparing guidelines for officials using their privately owned electric vehicles for government work.
Electric Bus Services for Employees
Electric bus or minibus services will be arranged to transport government employees from residential areas with high staff concentrations to their workplaces.
Target of Minimum 10 per cent Reduction in Fuel Consumption
All government offices are directed to implement well-planned measures to achieve a minimum 10 per cent reduction in monthly petrol and diesel consumption for official vehicles.
The Chief Minister has mandated the strict implementation of these directives across all levels of administration throughout the state, including the State Secretariat, sub-divisions, tehsils, block offices, government departments, public sector undertakings, institutions, universities, and committees.
Utkal University Bans Petrol and Diesel Vehicles on Campus on Saturdays
In a move towards fostering a pollution-free environment, Utkal University in Bhubaneswar has begun restricting the entry of petrol and diesel vehicles onto its campus every Saturday.
This initiative was launched following advice from Odisha Governor and University Chancellor Hari Babu Kambhampati. Each Saturday, fuel-powered two-wheelers and four-wheelers will be prohibited from entering the campus between 9 am and 5 pm.
The university administration has placed banners at the main gate to publicise the initiative.
Security measures have been reinforced at the main entrance to ensure compliance with the new rule. Five security personnel have been deployed to prevent petrol and diesel vehicles from entering the campus.
Odisha Government’s Fuel Conservation Measures
It is noteworthy that the Odisha government had already commenced efforts to regulate fuel consumption across various departments. Odisha Chief Secretary Anu Garg had previously indicated that the state was considering several significant measures to address the prevailing fuel situation and promote conservation.
Government to Electrify OSRTC Bus Fleet
As part of its long-term sustainability and environmental protection agenda, the Odisha government had also announced a major drive towards electric mobility in the public transport sector.
Odisha Transport Minister Bibhuti Bhusan Jena stated that all buses operated by the Odisha State Road Transport Corporation would be converted into electric vehicles in a phased manner.
According to the Minister, this initiative aligns with the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi to promote eco-friendly transportation and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. He noted that the state government is simultaneously accelerating the development of electric vehicle infrastructure across Odisha.
Substantial progress has already been made in this regard. Of the 100 EV charging stations proposed across the state, construction work on 30 stations has been completed, including 15 charging stations in Bhubaneswar.
The state government has also pledged full support, incentives, and necessary facilities for manufacturers willing to transition towards electric vehicle production, reinforcing Odisha’s commitment to sustainable transportation and the adoption of clean energy.
