Uttar Pradesh enforces strict austerity on officials to cut costs and energy use

Uttar Pradesh enforces strict austerity on officials to cut costs and energy use

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has introduced a series of strict austerity measures for government officials. The new guidelines aim to cut costs, reduce energy use and promote local economic support. Ministers and senior staff must now follow tighter rules on travel, vehicle use and workplace practices. The Chief Minister ordered all ministers and top officials to avoid foreign trips for the next six months unless absolutely necessary. He also instructed them to reduce their vehicle fleets by half and rely more on public transport at least one day a week. Rail travel, carpooling and work-from-home arrangements were strongly encouraged, with institutions employing over 50 people told to adopt remote working for at least two days weekly.

Hybrid meetings will now replace many in-person gatherings where possible. Inter-district meetings, training sessions and standing committee discussions must shift to online or mixed formats. Energy-saving measures were also enforced, including stricter controls on air conditioning and lift use in government offices. AC temperatures must stay between 24 and 26 degrees Celsius. The Chief Minister pushed for greater use of solar power and expanded public campaigns on energy conservation. He also directed a switch from LPG cylinders to piped natural gas (PNG) for commercial users. On the economic front, he called for reduced reliance on imported goods, urging support for local oilseed production, natural farming and balanced fertiliser use. For social events, officials were told to choose domestic venues over expensive locations. Weddings and ceremonies should prioritise local facilities to boost the regional economy, reinforcing the broader message of financial restraint.

The new rules will affect government operations across Uttar Pradesh for the next six months. Officials must now follow stricter travel, energy and spending policies, with a focus on sustainability and local economic growth. The measures also aim to set an example for wider public adoption of cost-saving and eco-friendly practices.

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