Dr. Priyanka Saurabh
Whenever petrol and diesel prices rise in the country, governments, officials, and politicians suddenly become concerned about “fuel savings.” Messages begin airing on TV channels, advertisements appear in newspapers, and public platforms urge people to stop unnecessary vehicle use, adopt carpooling, travel shorter distances on foot, and conserve fuel in the national interest. All this sounds idealistic and responsible, but as soon as the average person steps onto the streets, they begin to see the other side of this idealism.
On one hand, ordinary citizens calculate every extra rupee spent at the petrol pump, while on the other, convoys of government vehicles ply the roads like symbols of power. The very people who preach saving fuel to the public are often seen using government vehicles for even the smallest personal needs of their families. Whether dropping children at school, taking their wives to the market, picking up relatives, or attending private events—government vehicles are always at their disposal. The natural question then arises: why does the burden of saving fuel fall solely on the common man?
In reality, this is not just a problem of petrol or diesel, but of mindset. In our country, power and position are often mistaken for privileges rather than responsibilities of service. As soon as someone reaches a high position, a circle of privileges develops around them, where government resources are considered part of their personal lives. Government vehicles then cease to be merely a means of administrative work and instead become symbols of prestige and influence. This is why government vehicles are often seen serving family needs more than official duties.
Ironically, in a country where millions of people are limiting their daily travel due to high petrol prices, personal use of vehicles funded by public taxes is considered normal. The average person balances paying their child’s fees with refueling expenses, while in the corridors of power, families continue to enjoy comfort on government fuel. This very scenario breeds public discontent, as those preaching sacrifice themselves seem unwilling to make any sacrifice.
History shows that society does not change through speeches alone, but through examples. If leaders and officials are truly serious about saving fuel, they should start at home. If government vehicles are restricted strictly to official purposes and are not used for personal activities like transporting children to school or shopping, this will send a more powerful message than any major campaign. The public reflects what it sees in its leadership.
The biggest problem today is the growing moral distance between power and the public. When people see that those preaching simplicity and frugality themselves live in luxury and privilege, trust weakens. Democracy is not governed merely by laws, but also by moral credibility. If those in power do not follow the rules themselves, expecting discipline from the public becomes a mere formality.
It is also true that not every official and leader behaves this way. Many perform their duties with honesty and simplicity. Many officials do not misuse government facilities in their personal lives and follow the rules sincerely. But the problem is that the habits of a few individuals tarnish the image of the entire system. The public sees only what is visible on the roads—the ostentation of red-beacon vehicles, long convoys, and the blatant use of government resources for personal purposes.
The saddest part is that society often considers the misuse of government resources a status symbol. If an official’s wife is seen going to the market in a government vehicle, some people regard it as a sign of prestige. This mentality gradually erodes the system from within. Government facilities should be instruments of service, not displays of status.
Today, we face both an environmental and an energy crisis. The world is grappling with climate change. In a vast country like India, fuel efficiency is not just an economic issue but also an environmental necessity. But any campaign will succeed only if it demonstrates equal participation. If the public is told to use their bikes less while the ruling class continues to use government vehicles for personal purposes, the message will sound hollow.
There should be a strict and transparent system governing the use of government vehicles. Digital records of vehicle usage should be publicly available in every department. It should be clear which vehicle was used, when, and for what purpose. Any personal use detected should result in both financial penalties and administrative action. In this age of technology, this is not difficult. The only challenge is political and administrative willpower.
At the same time, society must also understand its own responsibility. Merely criticizing leaders and officials is not enough. The tendency toward ostentation and unnecessary vehicle use has also increased among ordinary citizens. Driving even for short distances has become a habit. However, the responsibility of leadership is greater because it determines the direction of society. If there is discipline at the top, its impact will surely reach the bottom.
In fact, the greatest moral force in a democracy is the power of example. When the public sees a leader living a simple life, avoiding unnecessary luxuries, and not misusing government resources, respect for that leader automatically increases. But when the same leader speaks about economy from a public platform while his or her family’s daily needs depend on government petrol, the credibility of those words disappears.
This question is not just about fuel, but also about the dignity of the tax-paying citizen. Public money is meant for public service, not for the personal convenience of a single family. In a democracy, a government vehicle is not an individual’s private property, but a responsibility entrusted by the public. When this responsibility turns into a privilege, a crisis of trust emerges between the system and the people.
What is needed today are not grand slogans, but small yet sincere steps. If politicians and officials are truly serious about saving fuel, they should stop using government vehicles for their families’ personal needs. This will not only save fuel but also send a message to the public that sacrifice is necessary not only for the common man, but also for those in power.
The country needs leadership that leads by example, not by lectures. Because the public no longer wants to just listen—they want to see. And as long as the “family” continues to run on government-owned petrol, every “save fuel” campaign will appear to the public as nothing more than a sham.
