Following a significant appeal by Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding the current national circumstances, the Delhi government has launched a comprehensive campaign in the national capital. Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta formally announced the 'Mera Bharat, Mera Yogdan' (My India, My Contribution) campaign, detailing several stringent and vital decisions aimed at resource conservation and environmental protection. The Chief Minister emphasized that this campaign would be driven by the active participation of citizens and the government machinery within Delhi. As part of this initiative, a special appeal has been made to the public to observe one day a week as a 'No Vehicle Day' to alleviate traffic congestion and reduce pollution levels on the city's roads.
Work From Home and Metro Monday Protocols
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta stated that preparations have been made at two distinct levels to regulate petrol and diesel consumption. Under this plan, a decision has been taken to grant two days of 'Work From Home' per week for employees in the government sector. Simultaneously, an advisory will be issued for the private sector to adopt similar arrangements. The Chief Minister clarified that these decisions will come into effect from May 15 (Friday) and the campaign will continue for the next 90 days. ' On this day, all ministers and high-ranking officials of the Delhi government will mandatorily travel via the Delhi Metro to promote the use of public transportation.
Fuel Reductions and Travel Restrictions
To ensure savings in administrative expenses and resources, the Chief Minister has ordered a reduction in the number of government vehicles. Officials who previously received 200 liters of petrol per month will now face a 20 percent cut in this quota. On top of that, the Chief Minister has suggested changes in the education and judicial sectors. She appealed to universities to conduct non-practical classes online. Similarly, an appeal has been made to the courts to consider holding hearings through online platforms. In a significant advisory for citizens, the Chief Minister requested people to avoid foreign travel for the next year. On top of that, no minister or official of the Delhi government will undertake any foreign trips for the duration of one year.
Revised Office Timings and Logistics
To tackle the heavy traffic congestion during peak morning and evening hours, office timings have been restructured, while the official timing for Delhi Government offices is now set from 10:30 AM to 7:00 PM. Meanwhile, Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) offices will operate from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. The Chief Minister urged Delhiites to observe a 'No Vehicle Day' once a week. Leading by example, the government has decided not to purchase any new vehicles for the next six months, while to provide relief to employees, the transport allowance has been increased by 10 percent. Traders have also been appealed to take advantage of trains instead of trucks for transporting goods whenever possible.
Energy Conservation and Promoting Local Products
Other key highlights of the campaign include energy saving and the promotion of 'Made in India' products, while the Chief Minister directed that air conditioners (AC) in all government offices must be maintained at temperatures between 24 and 26 degrees Celsius. Master switches will be installed in offices to prevent electricity wastage. On top of that, 50 percent of government meetings will now be conducted online. A 'Single Window Help Desk' will be established in the Labor Department, while restrictions have also been placed on public gatherings, stating that no large public events will be held for the next three months. A special travel plan is being prepared for Delhi. To boost the local economy, 'Made in India' corners will be set up in all malls, and the Delhi government will prioritize India-made products in its procurement processes.
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta described these decisions as a major step toward Delhi's development and self-reliance, while she expressed hope that these measures wouldn't only save fuel but also lead to positive improvements in Delhi's traffic management and environment. These decisions under the campaign will be effective from May 15, and the government will continuously monitor their implementation to ensure the successful achievement of the goals set under the 'Mera Bharat, Mera Yogdan' initiative.
