New Delhi, 14 May 2026: Sikkim CM Prem Singh Tamang-Golay on Thursday announced a series of temporary austerity measures aimed at fuel conservation, administrative efficiency, and responsible governance in line with the appeal made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Addressing an emergency meeting convened at Samman Bhawan, the Chief Minister stated that his official carcade would be reduced by 50 percent as a symbolic and practical step towards conserving fuel and supporting national service initiatives during challenging times.
The meeting was attended by Cabinet Ministers, MLAs, the Chief Secretary, the DGP, Heads of Departments, District Collectors, and Superintendents of Police, while officials from other districts participated virtually.
The Chief Minister further directed District Collectors and Superintendents of Police not to undertake protocol duties during his inter-district visits in order to minimise unnecessary deployment of vehicles and manpower.
Following detailed deliberations, the State Government adopted several temporary measures in the larger public interest. These include the withdrawal of pilot vehicles assigned to the Hon’ble Speaker and Deputy Speaker, and a 20 percent reduction in fuel consumption for vehicles allotted to Ministers and MLAs.
The Government will also introduce pool vehicle services across departments, encourage walking for nearby official engagements, promote greater use of public transportation, and increase reliance on virtual meetings and digital coordination.
In another key decision, all OSDs and Chairpersons have been directed to remain stationed in their respective constituencies and avoid unnecessary travel. Government employees will also face restrictions on inter-district and out-of-State travel using Government vehicles unless absolutely necessary.
Additionally, the State Government has proposed implementation of Work From Home for 50 percent of employees wherever feasible, suspension of foreign travel for one year, and strict observance of Saturdays and Sundays as non-working days during which Government vehicles shall not ply.
The odd-even vehicle rule will also be implemented across all districts as part of the fuel conservation initiative. However, emergency services will remain exempted from these restrictions.
A detailed notification regarding the implementation of these measures will be issued separately by the Home Department.
Appealing to the people of Sikkim, the Chief Minister urged citizens to support the decisions in the larger interest of the State and the nation.
“These are challenging times, and collective responsibility, discipline, and cooperation from every citizen will make a meaningful difference,” he stated, while calling upon the public to conserve resources, reduce unnecessary fuel consumption, and demonstrate unity and patriotism.