MUMBAI: In a bid to keep fuel expenditure under control, the state government is considering asking its officials from other centres to use public transport when coming to Mumbai on official visits.
It will provide air-conditioned buses to officers and ask them to avoid using official cars.
Most of the directorates and departmental offices of the state are located in Pune, and some in cities like Thane, Navi Mumbai and Nagpur. Key officials from these departments come to the Mantralaya regularly and in some cases, twice to thrice a week. Officials from Pune are likely to be asked to use Volvo buses provided by state transport department.
“Since AC Volvo services between Mumbai and Pune are available at regular intervals, one dedicated bus can be arranged for the officials at 6 am and 5 pm. If successful, the idea could be replicated in other cities too,” said an official from the state transport department.
A government resolution issued by the state in 2001 restricts key officials like secretaries and collectors from using more than 3,000 litre of fuel per month.
“Neither the restrictions are followed strictly nor is any mechanism in place to keep a check on it,” the official said.
The recommendation was discussed during a meeting of key officials from finance, transport, police, civil and food departments and lead by deputy chief minister RR Patil at Mantralaya on Tuesday.
Patil said the officials using official vehicles should plan on conserving 5% fuel and the norms laid down by the state should be strictly followed. Patil asked the collectors and divisional commissioners on district level to use video conferring facilities.
An official from civil and food supply said diesel consumption had gone up from 33 lakh litre in 2006-2007 to 45 lakh litre in 2007-08. The state’s consumption was the highest in the country, he said.
