This refers to the editorial, “Pruning the VIP culture” (April 21). The Union Cabinet’s decision to ban the use of red beacons is welcome for the simple reason that there can be no place for symbols of privilege and status in a republic. This is sure to awaken our VIPs as to who they are — public servants. They must now do their work without proclaiming their self-assumed superiority by flaunting red beacons. Meanwhile, people will now be spared from the strain of looking at a red contraption on the roads and the mental exertion of thinking ill of them and even abusing them for their showiness.
However, the curb though a refreshing start, is hardly sufficient to bring the curtain down on the VIP culture. A lot more needs to be done to blur the gaping distinction between the common herd and the public figures. A wide range of prescriptions is required to do away with the VIP culture. No matter how powerful they are, politicians are no more than people’s surrogates in that they derive whatever power they wield solely from the common people.