Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi issued an eight-point directive for government departments and offices across the State on Thursday, in a major move aimed at reducing fuel consumption and promoting sustainable transportation.

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The new guidelines focus on minimising petrol and diesel consumption, increasing the use of electric vehicles, and encouraging cost-effective administrative practices.

According to the directives, government meetings, review sessions, training programmes and workshops will preferably be conducted in virtual mode unless physical presence is absolutely necessary. Officials whose attendance is essential may attend physically, while others will participate online to reduce travel-related fuel expenses.

One of the most significant decisions under the new policy is the mandatory purchase of electric vehicles (EVs) for all new two-wheelers and four-wheelers bought for government offices from June 1 onwards.

Petrol and diesel vehicles will only be permitted under special circumstances. Similarly, all four-wheelers hired on a rental basis for government use must also be electric vehicles from the same date.

The State government also encouraged senior officers, allotted official vehicles for their use while doing government work, to adopt carpooling practices. Officials travelling on similar routes will be required to share vehicles, and the fuel allocation for such vehicles will reportedly be reduced accordingly.

The Finance Department has been directed to prepare detailed guidelines within 15 days specifying which categories of senior officers can individually use their official vehicles.

Additionally, officers and employees travelling to distant locations for official work have been advised to use public transport such as buses and trains whenever possible.

The directives further state that guidelines will be prepared regarding the use of privately owned electric vehicles by officials for government work. To facilitate employee transportation, electric buses or mini-bus services will be introduced in areas where large numbers of government employees reside.

Importantly, all State government offices have been instructed to take planned measures to ensure that monthly petrol and diesel consumption by government vehicles is reduced by at least 10 percent.

The Chief Minister has directed strict implementation of these measures across all levels of administration, from the State Secretariat to subdivisions, tehsils, block offices, government institutions, universities, public sector undertakings, and other state-run organisations.