In response to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call for “economic self-defence,” Gujarat Governor Acharya Devvrat has introduced initiatives to cut fuel usage and promote public transportation in official and educational settings. Following the Prime Minister’s recent speech in Hyderabad, urging citizens to enhance economic resilience, Governor Devvrat announced changes to his travel protocol and administrative directives during a meeting at Lok Bhavan. He emphasized the importance of reducing dependence on imported fuel, conserving foreign exchange, and embracing responsible consumption habits.
Acting on the Prime Minister’s message, Governor Devvrat declared that he will avoid using helicopters or air travel for official engagements within Gujarat until the petroleum situation stabilizes. Instead, he will opt for trains, state transport buses, and other public transport modes. Additionally, he instructed all state universities to observe a weekly “combustion engine-free day,” encouraging the use of bicycles, electric vehicles, or public transport to reduce reliance on petrol and diesel vehicles. Administrative departments statewide have been advised to minimize unnecessary vehicle usage and prioritize fuel efficiency in their operations.
Governor Devvrat emphasized that these measures align with the Prime Minister’s broader goals of fuel conservation, promotion of indigenous products, and reduced consumption of edible oil. He highlighted that saving every unit of fuel contributes to bolstering the country’s economic resilience and stressed the importance of collective restraint for long-term stability. The Governor urged citizens to embrace a “Nation First” approach, prioritizing public responsibility over personal convenience, and participate in efforts for economic conservation and self-discipline.
