Goa CM halves convoy after PM’s appeal

Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has halved his convoy, following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeal for cutting down fuel consumption and spending more wisely in view of the West Asia crisis, officials said on Thursday.

The CM’s convoy, which earlier had six vehicles, has now been reduced to three, including the car in which he travels, an official from the Chief Minister’s Office said.

“Following the austerity measures adopted by the PM, the chief minister has asked for the reduction of the vehicles (in his convoy),” the official added. The move comes in response to PM Modi’s appeal to conserve fuel and foreign exchange in view of the ongoing conflict in West Asia, which has disrupted global energy supplies. India relies heavily on West Asia for crude oil and gas imports.

PM Modi has significantly reduced his convoy size, days after he appealed for cutting down fuel consumption and spending more wisely, prompting several BJP chief ministers and other leaders to adopt similar measures.

The prime minister’s appeal is not about spending less but spending more wisely by reducing fuel consumption, avoidable dependence on imported goods and foreign-currency-intensive services, official sources said on Wednesday, stressing that the Modi government is not cutting capital expenditure, welfare spending or subsidies.