Uttar Pradesh transport minister Dayashankar Singh on Friday directed officials to prepare a proposal for exemptions in road tax and registration fees for electric and public transport vehicles for the next 12 months, aiming to promote fuel conservation and reduce dependence on private vehicles.Transport mnister Dayashanker Singh directed officials to prepare a proposal for exemptions in road tax and registration fees for electric and public transport vehicles for the next 12 months. (File)The directions were issued following a meeting chaired by chief minister Yogi Adityanath on May 11, in view of the prevailing global and national economic conditions, according to an official statement issued on Friday.The minister instructed the transport department to increase bus frequency during peak hours to discourage the use of private vehicles. Offices with more than 500 employees will also be linked with special bus services through coordination between the transport department and the Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (UPSRTC), he said.Singh also ordered an audit of the “pool car” system and directed that the allocation of surplus vehicles to officials be withdrawn. Departments were asked to minimise the use of diesel and petrol as far as possible.The minister further directed offices and depots to ensure electricity savings by switching off unnecessary lights, especially after 10 pm, and maintaining air-conditioner temperatures at 25-26 degrees Celsius.Officials were also asked to study the “Chandauli model” of energy generation through biogas and explore its implementation at corporation depots and workshops. The transport corporation’s canteens were directed to reduce the use of imported edible oils and encourage locally sourced products.The minister said that the feasibility of mandatory PNG connections at depots and offices will also be examined, while bio-bitumen will be prioritised in construction works wherever feasible.He added that official foreign visits of department officers will remain suspended for the next six months, and virtual meetings will be preferred over physical meetings with officials posted outside the headquarters.