Public participation needed to save energy, Raman Suri advocates technology-driven governance

JAMMU: Senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Raman Suri today called upon government officials, private institutions, teachers and citizens across the country to sincerely follow the appeal made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding reduction in fuel consumption, increased use of technology and minimising unnecessary travel in view of rising global uncertainties and increasing pressure on India’s economy due to international conflicts and crude oil prices.

He said that while the Prime Minister has repeatedly emphasized reducing dependence on petroleum products, promoting electric vehicles, encouraging virtual meetings and cutting avoidable travel, several senior officials continue to summon subordinates to attend physical meetings in far-off places, forcing employees to travel from one district to another unnecessarily. He said such practices must be viewed seriously and reviewed immediately in the national interest.

Raman Suri said India imports nearly 85 percent of its crude oil requirement from foreign countries and spends billions of dollars every year in foreign exchange on importing petroleum products. He said ongoing wars, global conflicts and instability in several regions of the world directly affect crude oil prices, thereby putting immense pressure on India’s economy, increasing inflation and impacting the value of foreign exchange reserves.

He added that every litre of petrol and diesel saved by Indian citizens strengthens the nation economically and reduces dependence on external markets. He said Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision is not merely an appeal for temporary austerity but a long-term economic strategy aimed at making India stronger, self-reliant and financially secure.

The BJP leader urged senior officers and department heads to make maximum use of technology for governance and administration. He said meetings, reviews, inspections, directions and coordination can easily be conducted through virtual platforms, WhatsApp video calls and online conferencing systems without compelling employees to undertake repeated journeys.

Raman Suri said in the modern digital era, technology must be used efficiently to reduce fuel expenditure, save official time and lessen unnecessary movement of vehicles. He added that many inspections and departmental reviews can effectively be carried out through live video interaction and digital monitoring systems.

The BJP leader further appealed to employees of both government and private sectors, particularly educational institutions and teachers, to voluntarily adopt at least three days of virtual meetings and online study sessions wherever possible. He said educational institutions and offices can significantly reduce fuel consumption if hybrid working systems are adopted intelligently.

He also requested people to avoid unnecessary tourism, repeated personal travel and excessive use of private vehicles for at least one year in order to support the nation during challenging global economic conditions. He said citizens must understand that every small sacrifice collectively contributes towards national growth and economic stability.

He stated that if India succeeds in reducing fuel consumption substantially even for one year, the country can save enormous amounts of foreign exchange, strengthen its reserves, reduce import burden and emerge economically stronger before the world. Raman Suri said this movement can become a people-driven national campaign similar to other successful public movements initiated under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He urged every citizen, official, institution and organisation to adopt fuel-saving practices as a patriotic responsibility and contribute towards building a stronger and more self-reliant India.