Harare, Zimbabwe (News of the South)-The Indian government has banned the use of red beacons on vehicles by any VIP or state officials including the country’s prime minister, president or heads of state as it aims to end an elitist mentality in politicians.
According to RT news the new legislation, which will be in effect from May 1, bans the use of Lal Batti, or red beacons from all the country’s streets.
Only emergency vehicles such as ambulances, firemen’s vehicles and police cars will be able to use blue lights.
According to RT “high ranking officials have long used red lights to cut through traffic while on official trips, when police often erect barricades and block routes for common vehicles”
“However this symbol of influence and priviledge is often misused by minor officials who want to show off and boast of their position”.
Indian Minister of Finance, Defence, and Corporate Affairs Arun Jaitley said they would be no exceptions.
“From May 1, no vehicle will have a red light. There will be no exceptions”
“This is a central rule and the government is removing this rule from the rule book. Its abolition would mean that neither the Centre nor the States would have any dignitary that governments can nominate for the usage of red beacons”, said Jaitley.
Media reports say immediately after the announcement many took to Twitter hailing the move using the hashtag #EveryoneVIPinNewIndia.
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