As tensions rise in the Middle East eased after Iran and the United States discussed truce, the New Delhi government has withdrawn its work-from-home order for the government staff. The government had mandated two days of work-from-home for staff as a part of nationwide push to conserve fuel. While the order has now been revoked, the government has resumed office timings, 10 am to 6.30 pm. Meanwhile, timings for the Municipal Corporation of Delhi will remain unchanged, that is, from 8.50 am to 5 pm.
The move came in following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call in May to save fuel amidst the Middle East conflict. The aim was to reduce the consumption of fuel in the national capital. Additionally, office working hours were also changed. A 20% cut in the fuel allocation of government vehicles was also implemented. Several ministers also cut down the number of vehicles being used in their convoys.
Earlier, the Delhi government had designated Wednesdays and Saturdays as work-from-home days for staff.
In May, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta unveiled a city- wide fuel conservation and economic stability campaign called “Mera Bharat, Mera Yogdaan”, asking both government departments and ordinary citizens to actively reduce fuel usage.
She also appealed to traders and business owners to shift goods transportation toward railway freight systems wherever feasible. Rekha Gupta urged Delhi’s business community to reduce dependence on trucks for cargo movement, saying railway freight could help cut fuel consumption on roads.
Under the 90 day initiative, focus was on reducing fuel consumption, promoting public transport and electric vehicle adoption amid the energy crisis that erupted due to the uncertainties in the Middle East.
To combat the volatility of fuel prices due to the war, PM Modi had requested to shift their mode of transport from private to public whenever possible.