New Delhi: The Central government on Wednesday clarified that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent appeal urging people to conserve fuel and avoid unnecessary gold purchases should not be interpreted as austerity measures.
The clarification came amid growing discussion over the Prime Minister’s remarks made during the ongoing crisis in West Asia, where he had urged citizens to reduce fuel consumption, avoid unnecessary imports and spend foreign exchange carefully.
According to government sources, the Prime Minister’s message was being “misrepresented” as an economic austerity drive.
Sources said, “The appeal made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to save fuel, work from home wherever possible and reduce unnecessary foreign exchange expenditure is being projected as an austerity measure. This is misleading because the government is not implementing any such strict spending cuts that could negatively impact the economy.”
Officials explained that austerity generally refers to budget cuts, reduced government expenditure, lower subsidies and tighter fiscal policies.
Government sources further clarified that the Modi government is not reducing capital expenditure, welfare spending or subsidies.
“The Prime Minister’s appeal is not about spending less. It is about spending more wisely by reducing unnecessary dependence on imported goods, fuel consumption and foreign exchange-based services,” sources added.
Meanwhile, in a symbolic move to promote fuel conservation, Prime Minister Modi reportedly reduced his convoy to just two vehicles on Wednesday. Several Union ministers are also said to have followed similar measures.
