PM Modi likely to hold virtual meet with chief secretaries on austerity, work-from-home push

PM Modi likely to hold virtual meet with chief secretaries on austerity, work-from-home push

The proposed virtual interaction with Chief Secretaries is expected to focus on reducing avoidable expenditure, encouraging virtual governance mechanisms and cutting fuel consumption through administrative efficiencies.

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PM MOdiSources said CMs of Delhi, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh have already taken cognisance of the PM’s appeal and held discussions with cabinet ministers and senior officials.
Chetan Bhutani
  • May 12, 2026,
  • Updated May 12, 2026 12:38 PM IST

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to hold a virtual meeting with Chief Secretaries of states to discuss austerity measures, greater use of virtual meetings and possible work-from-home mechanisms, government sources told Business Today.

The move comes after the Prime Minister, over the past two days, repeatedly stressed the need for conservation, reduction in non-essential travel and responsible energy usage amid global economic uncertainty and pressure on fuel imports.

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Sources said no formal advisory or directive has yet been issued by the Centre to states on austerity measures or mandatory work-from-home protocols. However, the Prime Minister’s remarks have triggered discussions within several state governments.

According to sources, Chief Ministers of Delhi, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh have already taken cognisance of the Prime Minister’s appeal and held discussions with cabinet ministers and senior officials on possible conservation-oriented administrative measures.

The proposed virtual interaction with Chief Secretaries is expected to focus on reducing avoidable expenditure, encouraging virtual governance mechanisms and cutting fuel consumption through administrative efficiencies.  

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to hold a virtual meeting with Chief Secretaries of states to discuss austerity measures, greater use of virtual meetings and possible work-from-home mechanisms, government sources told Business Today.

The move comes after the Prime Minister, over the past two days, repeatedly stressed the need for conservation, reduction in non-essential travel and responsible energy usage amid global economic uncertainty and pressure on fuel imports.

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Sources said no formal advisory or directive has yet been issued by the Centre to states on austerity measures or mandatory work-from-home protocols. However, the Prime Minister’s remarks have triggered discussions within several state governments.

According to sources, Chief Ministers of Delhi, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh have already taken cognisance of the Prime Minister’s appeal and held discussions with cabinet ministers and senior officials on possible conservation-oriented administrative measures.

The proposed virtual interaction with Chief Secretaries is expected to focus on reducing avoidable expenditure, encouraging virtual governance mechanisms and cutting fuel consumption through administrative efficiencies.  

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Chetan Bhutani

Chetan Bhutani is a New Delhi-based economic policy journalist with ten years of experience in reporting and breaking stories about economic policy pertaining to India's infrastructure and financial sector, including highways, finance, railways, shipping, telecom, petroleum, and natural gas and currently works as an Associate Editor for Business Today TV. He is a journalist who works across multiple platforms and languages and offers in-depth coverage of the auto industry, regulations, new products, and reviews. Also, he has extensively reported about the actions taken by investigative authorities in relation to corporate and bank frauds as well as significant insolvency cases. Bhutani keeps a tight eye on all aspects of the government's public policies, from their creation to their implementation. In addition to his job, Chetan enjoys scheduling official appointments, travelling, going on road trips, playing cricket, and squash. Also, he is passionate about addressing climate change and road safety. He is a public policy enthusiast and has a master's degree in Public Administration.

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