With the Centre’s decision to impose a blanket ban on use of red beacons by government functionaries coming into force from May 1, ministers in several states have already started finding ‘jugaad’ to keep the VVIP culture alive.
According to a Times of India report, politicians in Madhya Pradesh and Telangana are replacing the red beacons with sirens.
In Maharashtra, VIPs are exploring options that can be exercised to circumvent the ban without violating the new rules. Minister of State for Home Deepak Kesarkar has written to the state DGP to look for other options, which do not violate the new rules.
The report cited Kesarkar saying that when a VIP like a minister is travelling, there should be something to distinguish his car from other vehicles for the purpose of security.
In Madhya Pradesh, while some politicians of the ruling BJP followed CM Shivraj Singh Chouhan’s footsteps and removed the red beacons, others planted hooters on their cars as the new VIP symbol.
The Center Motor Vehicle Rules does not provide for use of siren or hooter in any vehicle. Under section 119 of the CMVR, exceptions are made for ambulances, fire brigades and construction equipment vehicles besides those used by police.
“Only the transport department and police have the right to use hooters. No one else can. We will fine vehicles using hooters Rs 5,000 each,” Bhopal ARTP Sanjay Tiwari was quoted by Times of India as saying.
In Hyderabad, many VIPs were seen using sirens near road junctions, extracting "green channel" from the traffic police posted there at the expense of common motorists.
Days ago, it was reported that several ministers in West Bengal are demanded police pilot cars to clear their way.
Besides the option of police pilot car, few ministers in the state have also decided to use the National Flag to get priority. Many have already switched over from the blue beacon with a flasher to the KMC flag displayed prominently on the bonnet. Others have installed large brass plates with their names and designations inscribed.
