From Delhi To West Bengal: List Of States Pushing For Work From Home Culture Following PM Modi's Fuel-Saving Appeal

The US-Israel-Iran conflict in West Asia had, for some time, not significantly impacted India, but it now appears that its effects are being felt by Indians as well. Amid a surge in global energy prices due to the ongoing crisis in the region, Prime Minister Narendra Modi made several appeals to citizens to ensure they are not severely affected. Among them was a request to revive the work-from-home culture.

Following the Prime Minister’s address to the nation, states across India have advised people to resume working from home in order to reduce fuel consumption, thereby lessening the impact of the West Asia crisis. The states advocating WFH include Delhi, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, and Madhya Pradesh.

Delhi

The Delhi government on May 14 announced measures to reduce fuel consumption and ease pressure on foreign exchange reserves. The government has mandated work from home for two days every week, while 50 per cent of official meetings are to be held online.

Maharashtra

Maharashtra is also adhering to PM Narendra Modi’s appeal to reduce fuel consumption, with Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule stating that many departmental meetings were already being conducted online. Fisheries and Ports Minister Nitesh Rane has also asked officials to shift toward virtual meetings and prioritise the use of electric vehicles.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has reportedly directed ministers not to use aircraft for official travel without his approval, unless the situation is extremely urgent.

Uttar Pradesh

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath asked departments to conduct half of their meetings virtually and advised employees to work from home at least twice a week. He also ordered a 50 per cent reduction in convoy vehicles, ensuring the removal of unnecessary cars from official movement.

West Bengal

In a post on X, West Bengal Governor R. N. Ravi appealed to citizens and institutions to encourage virtual meetings and work-from-home practices wherever feasible, ensuring their contribution to the fuel conservation drive.

Rajasthan

As part of his efforts to curb fuel consumption, Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma reduced the size of his convoy to five vehicles and instructed officials not to use unnecessary cars for official movements.