PATNA, May 14 -- Bihar chief minister Samrat Choudhary on Wednesday announced a string of "austerity measures" to reduce consumption of petrol and diesel in the government, which includes movement of VVIPs without extra vehicles. The measures are in tune with the seven-point appeal of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the wake of profound global impact of the ongoing America-Iran war. "The PM made an appeal to minimise vehicle usage to save diesel and petrol. A decision has been taken to reduce or minimise the number of vehicles in the CM's cavalcade," said the Choudhary, who himself reached the secretariat for the cabinet meeting in an electric vehicle with a comparatively smaller convoy, while Deputy CM Vijay Choudhary travelled in his lone car. Usually, the convoy of the CM and other dignitaries, including ministers and even MLAs, is long and the CM has taken note of this to set an example. It, however, remains to be seen how far the elected representatives and government officials are able to put it into actual practice, as long convoys are often seen as status symbol in the state and escort vehicles through relentless announcements even on roads with heavy traffic keep making their present felt in the surroundings. "An appeal has been made to the ministers, chairpersons and members of corporations, boards, all office-bearers, and public representatives to attend public programs without using additional vehicles," said Choudhary, in a post shared on social media. He also urged the people of the state to give preference to use of metro, bus, auto, or other means of public transport and observe "No Vehicle Day" once a week. Besides, all departments of the state government have been directed to ensure that all types of conferences or government meetings are arranged through video conferencing and promote the culture of work from home in government and private offices "Instructions have been given to minimize the use of palm oil in canteens operating in government offices across the province," he added. Bihar Vidhan Sabha Speaker Prem Kumar said that in the light of PM's appeal, he has also reduced the number of vehicles in his convoy and ministers are also doing the same. "The people have also taken it well and in the coming days they will also get the benefits," he added. Bihar's Deputy CM Vijay Kumar Chaudhary had on Tuesday said endorsed the PM's appeal and a day later said that his convoy has already been trimmed by half....