India News
‘One Officer, One Official Car’: Modi Government Rolls Out New Rule to Stop Multiple Vehicle Allotments
The Ministry of Finance has directed all Central Government departments to implement a ‘One Officer, One Official Car’ policy, aiming to reduce misuse of government vehicles and improve public spending efficiency.
In a significant move to promote fiscal discipline and improve the use of public resources, the Narendra Modi government has introduced a “One Officer, One Official Car” policy for Central Government officers.
The directive, issued through an Office Memorandum by the Department of Expenditure under the Ministry of Finance, makes it clear that an eligible officer will be allotted only one official vehicle, even if they are entrusted with additional responsibilities across multiple ministries, departments, public sector undertakings (PSUs), or autonomous bodies.
The new policy is intended to prevent the duplication of official vehicles, reduce unnecessary expenditure, and strengthen accountability in government administration.
No second government vehicle for additional charge
Under the revised guidelines, officers who are already entitled to an official government car will not receive another vehicle if they are assigned additional charge of another ministry, department, PSU, or autonomous organisation.
The Centre has instructed all ministries and departments to strictly adhere to the policy to ensure uniform implementation across the Central Government.
Restrictions on using PSU and autonomous body vehicles
The order also introduces restrictions on the use of vehicles belonging to public sector undertakings, autonomous bodies, and quasi-government organisations.
Central Government officers will generally not be permitted to use vehicles owned by these organisations. However, an exception has been provided for official visits, allowing officers to use an organisation’s vehicle while carrying out government work at its premises.
Unused vehicles to remain parked
As part of the new instructions, ministries and departments have also been directed to ensure that government vehicles not in active use remain parked at designated locations instead of being deployed unnecessarily.
The move is expected to minimise avoidable operational expenses, including fuel consumption, maintenance, and vehicle upkeep.
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Part of broader expenditure reforms
According to the Department of Expenditure, the latest Office Memorandum strengthens guidelines that were originally issued in September 2022.
The updated directions have been circulated to all Central Government ministries and departments with the objective of ensuring consistent implementation throughout the administrative system.
Focus on transparency and efficient governance
The government has stated that the policy is designed to encourage prudent use of taxpayer-funded resources while improving transparency in official vehicle allocation.
By limiting each eligible officer to a single official car, the Centre aims to eliminate unnecessary duplication, optimise the utilisation of government vehicles, and reduce avoidable public expenditure.
Officials believe the measure will also reinforce administrative accountability and financial discipline while ensuring that government resources are deployed more efficiently.
