In lines with Central Government’s decision to ban the use of red beacons atop vehicles of dignitaries and Government officials, including the Prime Minister and the President, Gujarat Government will also implement similar ban on State Government officials and dignitaries including that of Chief Minister.
“After detail study of Central Government’s guidelines on beacons atop vehicles, Gujarat Government too will also take decision on similar ban. Just like Government of India, the decision will come into effect in the State from May onwards. Co-incidentally Gujarat celebrates its Foundation Day on May 1,” said Deputy Chief Minister Nitin Patel couple of hours after the Modi Government’s decision on Wednesday.
According to Patel, the blue flasher would be allowed only on vehicles belonging to public services like the fire service, police, army and ambulances, to ensure passage through traffic.
It is worth mentioning that already decision on such ban has been taken by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath as well as Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh after formation on their respective Governments in March.
Even Supreme Court of India termed use of beacons by dignitaries and Government officials as ridiculous and synonymous with power in 2013.
The Apex Court remarked that beacons should remove instantly. However, neither the UPA Government at Centre nor a single State Government across the country put ban on beacons.
Meanwhile, former Gujarat Chief Minister and Prime Minister’s bête noire Shankersinh Vaghela applauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the beacon ban decision. “I appreciate Narendra Modi for removing red beacons. This was something I had implemented during my tenure as Chief Minister of Gujarat during 1996-1997,” Vaghela tweeted.
In fact Vaghela Govern-
ment that time didn’t issued any notification in this regard but it was he who decided to remove beacon from his own car which was followed by his Ministers and subsequently bureaucrats.