The Arunachal Pradesh government has rolled out a series of initiatives aimed at reducing unnecessary expenditure and encouraging sustainable practices, following the Prime Minister’s appeal for cutting down fuel consumption and spending more wisely in view of the West Asia crisis.

“The State Cabinet has announced several key decisions focussed on fiscal discipline, digital governance and energy conservation,” officials said. “The measures include a one-year ban on foreign travel by Ministers and government officials, 50% reduction in the convoy size of the CM, Deputy CM and Ministers, and a ‘Virtual First’ policy for official meetings to slash travel-related costs,” they said.

The State government also resolved to implement “100% e-office and paperless governance across departments by March, 2027” to streamline official functioning.

“The Cabinet also decided that no new vehicles would be procured except for emergency services,” the officials said. “Government departments and institutions have also been encouraged to promote carpooling and greater use of public transport,” they said.

“As part of the State’s energy conservation strategy, air conditioners in government offices will now maintain a temperature of 24 degrees Celsius and above. Besides, only 5-star rated energy-efficient products would be considered for government procurement,” they said.

“The measures additionally emphasise sustainability and self-reliance, with directives to encourage organic farming practices, minimise edible oil usage in institutions and strengthen the ‘Buy Swadeshi, Buy Local’ initiative to support locally produced goods,” an official said.

Emphasising that the Centre was trying to shield people from the adverse impact of the conflict in West Asia, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had on May 10 called for judicious use of fuel, postponement of gold purchases and foreign travel, among other measures, to strengthen the economy.