After Modi’s austerity call, Maharashtra ministers need CM nod to use aircraft

He clarified, however, that Fadnavis himself would continue to use aircraft because of his packed administrative schedule.

“The Chief Minister is very busy and has to reach multiple places on time, so he often uses aircraft. But other ministers generally do not need to use flights. The CM has already advised everyone not to use aircraft unless it is very urgent, and without permission from the CMO, flights cannot be used,” he said.

Bawankule added that most of his departmental meetings are now being conducted online in line with the austerity measures.

Following the Chief Minister’s directions, Fisheries and Ports Minister Nitesh Rane also issued instructions within his departments to shift meetings online, officials said.

Rane has additionally directed officials to prioritise electric vehicles instead of petrol and diesel vehicles as part of efforts to reduce fuel consumption.

The move comes after Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while addressing a public meeting in Hyderabad on Sunday, appealed for collective efforts to help the country navigate global disruptions and economic challenges.

Calling for reduced consumption of petroleum products and conservation of foreign exchange reserves, Modi urged citizens to use public transport as much as possible, increase the use of electric vehicles, revive Covid-era measures such as work-from-home and virtual meetings, avoid non-essential foreign travel and gold purchases for a year, and prioritise local goods.