Work From Home: In response to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s request, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has taken swift action. During a high-level meeting focused on the global situation, energy conservation, and resource management, CM Yogi made a significant decision. He instructed major industrial institutions, startups, and large companies in the state to implement a two-day work-from-home advisory. There was also a strong emphasis on promoting public transport, saving energy, carpooling, and holding virtual meetings.
In a discussion with the Chief Secretary, Director General of Police (DGP), Additional Chief Secretaries, and Principal Secretaries, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath made it clear that Uttar Pradesh needs to be ready for the shifting global landscape. He called for the effective execution of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s directives within the state.
Work from home is set to increase in larger companies and startups
The Chief Minister instructed the Industrial Development Department and IIDC to motivate large industrial organizations, the IT sector, and significant startups to embrace the work-from-home approach. Companies with a large workforce will be encouraged to adopt a work-from-home policy for two days each week. The government believes this will help alleviate traffic congestion, cut down on fuel use, and control pollution, while also offering relief to employees.
Ministers and MLAs are also encouraged to utilize public transport
CM Yogi emphasized that change should start with the government. He urged ministers, MPs, MLAs, and other public officials to use public transport at least once a week. He also proposed the idea of a weekly “No Vehicle Day.” The Chief Minister called on government employees, students from schools and colleges, and various community members to join this initiative. During the meeting, he ordered an immediate 50 percent reduction in the number of vehicles used by the Chief Minister and ministers.
The Chief Minister appealed to the people to postpone non-essential foreign travel for the next six months. He said that Uttar Pradesh has immense tourism potential and people should prioritize their own tourist destinations. CM Yogi said that the heritage sites, forts, eco-tourism sites, and religious places present in Uttar Pradesh can be excellent options for destination weddings. He appealed to wedding planners and citizens to organize events in Uttar Pradesh.
He mentioned that to save fuel and convey a good message to the public, unnecessary vehicles should be taken out of the fleet. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath stressed the importance of holding as many government meetings, seminars, workshops, and conferences online as possible. He instructed that 50% of internal meetings at the State Secretariat and Directorates should be held virtually. The Education Department was also told to conduct seminars and meetings digitally in schools and colleges.
To save on traffic and fuel, office hours will be adjusted
The Chief Minister suggested that office timings could be split into different batches to lessen traffic and fuel use during peak hours. This would ease the number of vehicles on the roads at the same time. The government could implement this system, particularly in large cities where daily traffic jams have become a significant issue. CM Yogi encouraged people to take full advantage of metro services in cities where they are available. He also highlighted the importance of promoting carpooling, cycling, and electric vehicles. There have also been instructions to increase the number of buses and other public transport services on heavily congested routes.
Boosting school buses
The Chief Minister urged for the promotion of school buses over private vehicles in schools and colleges. If needed, plans will be explored to link Transport Corporation buses to schools. The government believes this will help reduce traffic and ensure safer travel for children.
Government’s emphasis on energy conservation
CM Yogi called on the state’s residents to save electricity. He stated that unnecessary electricity use should be curtailed in government buildings, private businesses, and homes. The Chief Minister ordered that after 10 pm, commercial complexes and private businesses should limit the use of decorative lighting. The Chief Minister directed administrative officials to communicate with hotels, dhabas, restaurants, and street food unions to promote low-oil foods. CM Yogi directed the Agriculture Department to promote natural farming.