Intimes of economic challenge, the strength of a nation lies in the collective discipline of its people and its leaders. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has outlined key austerity measures that every citizen should embrace as a measure of one’s national duty.

Austerity measures for citizens:

1. Postpone gold purchases: Delay buying gold by at least one year. Gold imports drain foreign exchange. Preserving our forex reserves is critical for national stability today.

2. Conserve fuel: Save petrol and diesel. Carpool whenever possible and choose alternative transport des like electric vehicles (EVs).

3. Harness solar power: India is blessed with abundant sunshine. We delayed adopting solar energy. At least now go in for rooftop solar panels and generate your own electricity.

4. Reduce edible oil use: Cut consumption by at least 10 per cent to save on money and improve health.

5. Embrace gold-coated jewellery: Women can lead by choosing gold-coated jewellery over real gold, reducing import burden without losing tradition.

Meanwhile, official convoys can be reduced by half. Courts should immediately expand virtual hearings. Patronise online transactions.

Austerity measures for governments:

1. Public Representatives: Salaries and pensions for public representatives should be revised. A specially constituted committee can decide the amount of honorarium.

2. Downsize official quarters: Where possible, reduce the size and cost of government housing, and vehicle repairs to prevent waste.

3. Digital shift: Exams should gradually move online. All government services that can be done virtually should make the shift on priority basis.

4. Vote by mobile: Software engineers should develop secure ways for citizens to cast votes using mobile phones.

Citizens, government employees, banks and corporates must all understand austerity and spend only on what is necessary. I suggest a dedicated committee to prepare comprehensive austerity guidelines for all departments, including Parliament.

Our long-term goal must be clear. We must move from a deficit budget to a balanced budget where revenue equals expenditure. It is tough, but not impossible to achieve. This is our moment. Let us rise to the occasion.

K Lakshman Rao, Bangalore