The University of Jammu has announced a series of fuel-saving and cost-cutting measures following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent appeal for fuel conservation amid concerns over global energy supply disruptions. The university administration said it would significantly reduce travel-related activities and adopt more virtual systems for academic and administrative functions. Officials stated that the initiative aims to promote efficient resource utilization while supporting broader national efforts to conserve fuel during a period of international uncertainty affecting oil supplies.

Vice-Chancellor Prof. Umesh Rai said the university has become the first institution in the country to shift all PhD viva voce examinations entirely to an online mode. According to him, conducting doctoral evaluations virtually will reduce unnecessary travel for external experts, faculty members, and research scholars. He noted that the decision would help save fuel, lower operational expenses, and reduce time spent on travel while ensuring that academic processes continue without disruption.

The university has also decided to prioritize virtual participation for speakers attending national and international conferences hosted on campus. Officials stated that online participation by guest speakers and subject experts would minimize air and road travel while allowing the institution to continue academic engagements efficiently. The administration believes the digital approach can maintain academic quality while contributing to environmental sustainability and fuel conservation efforts.

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In another significant measure, the university cancelled plans to hold an Academic Council meeting in Poonch and instead shifted the event to the main Jammu University campus. The vice-chancellor said reducing unnecessary movement of staff, officials, and guests was essential to optimize fuel use and lower logistical expenditure. He added that universities and public institutions should actively participate in conservation efforts by embracing digital alternatives and minimizing avoidable travel wherever possible.

The university’s decision follows Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s broader call for conserving petrol, diesel, and energy resources across the country. In recent days, several government departments and public institutions have begun introducing measures aimed at reducing fuel consumption. The Prime Minister himself reportedly reduced the size of his official convoy by 50 percent as part of the initiative, which has increasingly become a topic of discussion among administrative bodies and educational institutions.

The push for conservation also comes against the backdrop of global concerns over energy security due to disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for India’s crude oil imports. Ongoing tensions and instability in West Asia have raised fears about supply interruptions and rising fuel costs worldwide. Against this backdrop, institutions such as the University of Jammu are attempting to adopt practical steps that reduce dependence on travel and encourage digital functioning as part of wider national conservation efforts.

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