As Govt drags feet over norms
Officials and people representing organisations can continue using beacon lights over their vehicle for few more days as the State Government is yet to give approval to the pruned list of officials entitled for using the lights considered a symbol of aristocracy. Yet again the State Cabinet did not discuss the issue during the last meeting and all eyes are on Monday’s meet.
The newly prepared list of officials and the type of beacon allowed for them has been readied by the Transport Department and sent for the approval of the Cabinet about a fortnight back. Since then the Cabinet has sat twice but ignored the all important regulation which has been in the eye of the storm since the Supreme Court delivered an order way back in December, 2013. “The proposal has been sent to the Cabinet for its consideration and we are awaiting its approval,” said Transport Secretary KK Soan.
Notably, the SC order of 2013 made it incumbent upon the respective State Governments to define the use of beacon lights and flashers and formulate guidelines that should specify their use for officials and agencies authorised to do so. The task had to be completed within three months from the date of the order i.e. by March 10.
As per the fresh set of guidelines formulated by the Department, officials of the rank of Sub Divisional Officer and Deputy Superintendent of Police will be entitled to use blue lights and so will be ambulances and vehicles used by fire brigade. While officials of Indian Administrative Service, Indian Police Service and of judicial services will be allowed to use yellow lights. Red beacon is meant for judges of High Court, Chief Minister, Ministers and officials of the rank of Chief Secretary.
The proposal has been framed on similar rules formulated in Madhya Pradesh after the SC’s order issued in this regard. “The deadline has already passed and the Government needs to file affidavit on what they have done on this. So, we hope to get approval very soon,” said an official of the Department.