Fuel saving tips for the Dy. C. M.

I am amazed at the thought process of our esteemed Deputy Chief Minister Shri R. R. Patil, as reported by ToI, Mumbai on Page-9 of the 12th Jun 2008 newspaper. He would have us believe that reducing the working days of Government Employees, reducing their trips and vehicle usage, examining the possibility of forcing vehicles to carry full passenger loads, will bring reduction on consumption of fuel whose prices keep escalating by the day. At a simplistic level these thoughts appear laudable, yet even a cursory reflection on each will astound even a person of limited perception.

The Home Dept. has the largest number of 'pending files' of work not done, same as most other state departments, so much so that the press reported the CM as making a specific reference to the delays and negligence of the various Government Departments. Yet, here is a suggestion to reduce working days instead of just the opposite. The irony of it!

It is common knowledge that most of the fuel oil is consumed by industry and large plants and only a small percentage (about 3% by volume) goes for passenger vehicles. Yet this suggestion of saving fuel by reducing visits and trips, so that the officials are more isolated from the citizens and their problems. Note, no suggestion is made that officials should use public transport, which the majority of the toiling citizens are forced to use. Maybe these same officials and their bosses, should try out the suburban trains during rush hour for a reality check.


One would have thought that the Home Minister would be more aware of privacy rights in a democracy, yet if passenger vehicles are to be forced to carry full loads, what will the taxi unions have to say about this? What will happen to the limited public transport?

The obvious solution, to force a rapid development of the much delayed public transport projects is not to be found anywhere. Removing the monopoly of the BEST and the taxi unions is not on the agenda. Reserving traffic lanes for multi passenger vehicles and public passenger transport, forcing polluting vehicle off the roads and highways all over the state, preventing adulteration of fuel and its misuse by individuals and business, all which are regularly documented, have not occurred to the respected Dy. CM. Even a simple task like providing decent footpaths free of encroachers and hawkers is beyond the capabilities of this State Govt. Citizens would walk in comfort and not need cars for short trips. He could be more on target if he has the Government Departments examine the lack of subsidies for use of alternate energy.

Instead of focusing on 'good governance' and providing a safe and secure environment for the citizens to develop economically, socially, spiritually and increase their creativity, the public is now expected to give 'tips' to the vast State machinery on saving fuel? Is this a joke or what? The time is nearing when the public will give more than 'tips', they will cast their votes, which may give a big surprise to the Dy.C.M. and his colleagues in the Government. The recent lessons at the polls are yet to be learnt, sad to say.

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An abridged version appeared as 'farcial solutions' in The Times of India, Mumbai edition, Wed. 25th June 2008, page-14 under 'my times, my voice'.