In its initial efforts, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) administration in West Bengal has initiated a cost-saving campaign following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeal to conserve fuel in light of the ongoing turmoil in Iran and West Asia.
In a directive issued on May 18, Chief Secretary Manoj Agarwal instructed all departmental leaders and district magistrates to implement various measures.
The communication, which The Indian Express has obtained, stated, “The Hon’ble Chief Minister of West Bengal has consistently highlighted the importance of optimizing resource use, minimizing unnecessary fuel consumption, increasing reliance on public transportation and digital platforms, supporting local products, and adopting sustainable practices.”
Agarwal emphasized the need for maximum utilization of video conferencing, virtual meetings, and digital platforms for official duties, while also considering remote work when feasible, without sacrificing productivity. He urged a decrease in non-essential travel and encouraged the use of public transport, carpooling, and electric vehicles whenever possible.
In his letter, Agarwal called upon relevant officials to implement appropriate energy-saving strategies within government offices and institutions.
The correspondence also advocated for a shift towards paperless operations, the establishment of e-offices, and the reduction of unnecessary expenditures.
Moreover, the letter stressed the importance of favoring locally manufactured goods and promoting “Swadeshi” initiatives.
Officials were urged to foster sustainable consumption habits, enhance logistics efficiency, minimize waste, promote recycling, and ensure responsible utilization of natural resources.
The government has also urged the promotion of healthy and sustainable lifestyle choices, advocating for the use of locally sourced edible oils and environmentally friendly agricultural practices.
Furthermore, the letter instructed each department and district administration to devise an action plan for the fiscal year 2026-27, outlining immediate, medium-term, and long-term strategies, along with measurable goals and timelines. These plans are to be submitted to the Chief Secretary’s office by May 22, with monthly updates commencing on July 1.
“All additional chief secretaries, principal secretaries, secretaries, and district magistrates are requested to prioritize this matter and ensure proper implementation and compliance across all subordinate offices and agencies under their jurisdiction,” the letter concluded.
Ravik Bhattacharya is an accomplished journalist and the Chief of Bureau for The Indian Express in Kolkata. With over two decades in the media field, he possesses extensive expertise across various important topics and regions.
Experience & Authority
Current Role: Chief of Bureau, The Indian Express, Kolkata.
Expertise: In-depth reporting from West Bengal, Odisha, Assam, and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Ravik focuses on politics, crime, major events, and investigative journalism, showcasing a strong understanding of complex issues.
Experience: His notable career includes significant reporting positions at leading publications such as The Asian Age, The Statesman, The Telegraph, and The Hindustan Times. This role marks Ravik’s return to The Indian Express, where he previously served as a Principal Correspondent from 2005 to 2010.
Major Award: Ravik’s credibility is further reinforced by his receipt of the Ramnath Goenka Excellence in Journalism Award in 2007 for his political reporting.
Education: He holds a Bachelor’s degree with honors in English from Scottish Church College, affiliated with Calcutta University, and a PG Diploma in Mass Communication from Jadavpur University.
Ravik Bhattacharya’s extensive experience, specialized focus, and recognition through awards solidify his position as a respected and authoritative figure in Indian journalism, particularly concerning stories from Eastern India.
