Shivraj Singh Announces Major Austerity Measures, Officials Pledge to Avoid Gold Purchases for One Year

Shivraj Singh Chouhan said the government itself must lead by example in adopting responsible spending and conservation practices.

Union Agriculture & Farmers Welfare and Rural Development Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan has announced a series of austerity and resource-conservation measures aimed at promoting frugality, reducing government expenditure, conserving fuel and energy, and strengthening India's push toward self-reliance amid evolving global economic challenges.

The decisions were taken during a high-level review meeting held at Krishi Bhawan in New Delhi with officials from the Agriculture Department, Rural Development Department, Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), Agricultural Education, and Land Resources Department.

The meeting also witnessed an unusual but symbolic collective pledge by government officials not to purchase gold for the next one year, except in special family circumstances such as weddings or important occasions.

Government Promotes Restraint and Resource Conservation

According to the Ministry, the measures are intended to reflect Prime Minister Narendra Modi's appeal for prudent use of resources, economic restraint, and national self-reliance during a period marked by global uncertainty and changing economic conditions.

Shivraj Singh Chouhan said the government itself must lead by example in adopting responsible spending and conservation practices.

Officials said the measures are designed to create positive impacts at three levels:

• Governance and administrative efficiency

• Social responsibility and public awareness

• Sustainable agricultural development

Officials Take Collective Pledge to Avoid Gold Purchases

One of the most notable outcomes of the meeting was the voluntary decision by officials not to buy gold for one year except under unavoidable family circumstances.

The Ministry clarified that the decision is not a formal government order but a voluntary moral and social commitment made by officers in response to the Prime Minister's call for restraint in the national interest.

Shivraj Singh Chouhan described the pledge as:

"a serious response to the appeal of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and an example of personal restraint in the national interest."

The move is being viewed as a symbolic gesture aimed at promoting responsible consumption and reducing unnecessary expenditure.

Key Government Meetings to Shift Online

As part of efforts to reduce expenditure and conserve resources, the Ministry decided that two upcoming zonal conferences in:

• Guwahati

• Visakhapatnam

will now be conducted virtually rather than in physical format.

Officials said this would significantly reduce costs associated with:

• Travel

• Accommodation

• Venue arrangements

• Logistics

• Delegation management

while ensuring that consultations and reviews with states and stakeholders continue uninterrupted.

Energy Conservation Measures Introduced in Offices

The Ministry also announced several measures aimed at reducing power consumption across government offices.

Officials have been instructed to switch off:

• Lights

• Fans

• Air-conditioners

• Computers

• Other electrical equipment

whenever not required.

The use of air-conditioners and electrical appliances will also be regulated to prevent unnecessary energy consumption.

The initiative aligns with broader government efforts to encourage energy efficiency and sustainable administrative practices.

Work-From-Home Model to Reduce Costs

The Ministry has further decided to introduce a rotational work-from-home system under which approximately 20% of employees will be permitted to work remotely.

However, officials clarified that:

• File processing

• Meetings

• Coordination activities

• State-related work

• Regular office operations

must continue without disruption.

Employees working remotely will remain accessible through:

• Phone calls

• Email communication

• Video conferencing

• E-office platforms

The Ministry believes the system will help reduce operational costs while improving administrative flexibility.

Car-Pooling System to Cut Fuel Consumption

To reduce fuel usage and optimise public resources, Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced the introduction of a weekly car-pooling system for ministry officials.

The system will extend up to the Director level and is expected to reduce vehicle usage by nearly one-third.

Officials said the initiative will help lower expenditure related to:

• Fuel consumption

• Vehicle maintenance

• Driver management

• Transportation logistics

The Minister also directed that official travel and physical meetings be more tightly controlled and conducted only when essential.

Where possible, reviews and consultations will be shifted to video conferencing platforms to reduce unnecessary travel by large delegations.

Ministry Launching Campaign on Edible Oil Consumption

The meeting also focused on reducing India's dependence on edible oil imports through public awareness and domestic production initiatives.

Following the Minister's direction, the Ministry will launch a special campaign promoting balanced and healthy edible oil consumption.

The campaign aims to:

• Reduce excessive oil consumption

• Improve public health outcomes

• Lower import dependence

• Support domestic oilseed production

Officials said the government's ongoing mission to increase domestic edible oil and oilseed production will be further strengthened.

"Save the Farm Campaign" to Promote Balanced Fertiliser Use

In the agricultural sector, Shivraj Singh Chouhan emphasised the importance of combining natural farming with balanced fertiliser use.

The Agriculture Department and ICAR have decided to launch a nationwide "Save the Farm Campaign" (Khet Bachao Abhiyan) beginning from 1 June for a period of 15 days.

Under the campaign:

• Agricultural scientists will visit villages

• Soil testing and analysis will be conducted

• Farmers will receive guidance on appropriate fertiliser use

• Awareness will be created regarding reducing unnecessary fertiliser application

The objective is to:

• Lower farming costs

• Protect soil health

• Reduce dependence on imported fertilisers

• Promote sustainable agricultural practices

The campaign will be implemented in collaboration with state governments across the country.

Kharif Conference to Focus on Natural Farming

Shivraj Singh Chouhan also announced that the upcoming Kharif Conference scheduled for 28–29 May will place special emphasis on:

• Balanced fertiliser usage

• Natural farming techniques

• Sustainable agriculture practices

A dedicated session on natural farming will be organised during the conference.

The Ministry has also decided to invite Gujarat Governor Acharya Devvrat, a prominent advocate of natural farming, to share practical experiences and guidance with states.

Minister Says Small Steps Can Produce Major National Impact

Concluding the meeting, Shivraj Singh Chouhan said even small acts of restraint and resource conservation can produce major national benefits in the current global environment.

He stressed that:

• Thrift

• Responsible consumption

• Fuel conservation

• Efficient use of resources

are not merely economic necessities but also national responsibilities.

The Minister assured that despite the austerity measures, the government remains committed to protecting:

• Agriculture

• Food security

• Nutritional security

• Farmers' livelihoods

at all costs.