Power Ministry Urges PSUs to Allow Weekly Work-From-Home; Up to 20% Staff Eligible

The Ministry of Power has reportedly advised public sector undertakings under its control to explore work-from-home arrangements for a section of employees as part of a broader fuel conservation initiative triggered by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent appeal to reduce fuel consumption. According to sources, the advisory recommends that, where feasible, up to 20 percent of staff members may be allowed to work remotely on any given day in order to reduce daily commuting, lower fuel usage, and cut operational costs.

The move comes amid growing concerns over global energy supply disruptions caused by the ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran, which has significantly impacted international oil and gas markets. Rising fuel prices and fears of supply instability have prompted both the Centre and several state governments to introduce conservation-focused measures aimed at reducing administrative expenditure and limiting unnecessary travel across departments and institutions.

The Maharashtra government has already initiated a stringent cost-cutting program that includes reducing official convoy sizes, encouraging public transport use by senior officials, and expanding reliance on virtual meetings. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis directed that the number of vehicles in ministers’ convoys be cut by 50 per cent and instructed officials to prepare a comprehensive fuel-saving strategy for implementation across the state administration.

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As part of the broader conservation drive, government departments have also been encouraged to increase the use of electric vehicles, reduce nonessential foreign travel, and rely more heavily on online conferences and virtual meetings. Officials believe these measures can significantly reduce fuel consumption and administrative costs while maintaining continuity in governance and official functioning during a period of heightened global uncertainty.

The response to the Prime Minister’s appeal has extended beyond Maharashtra, with leaders in multiple states announcing similar measures. Gujarat Governor Acharya Devvrat stated that he would prefer trains and public transport over helicopters for travel within the state, while Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Chaudhary said he had already reduced vehicle usage and would undertake official travel only when absolutely necessary.

Speaking recently at an event in Telangana, Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged institutions and governments to revive several practices adopted during the Covid-19 pandemic, including work-from-home systems, virtual conferences, and digital meetings. He also encouraged greater use of public transport, carpooling, rail freight, and electric vehicles as part of a nationwide effort to conserve energy resources and minimize dependence on conventional fuel during the ongoing global crisis.

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