A day after Central Government’s decision of banning red beacon atop vehicles of dignitaries and Government officials, including the Prime Minister and the President, to end VIP culture, Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani himself removed beacon from his car on Thursday.
Interestingly, the State Cabinet is yet to take decision for banning red beacon from Government vehicles in lines with the Modi Government’s resolution. In fact, on Wednesday Deputy Chief Minister Nitin Patel told the reporters that the ban would be in force from Gujarat Day – May 1.
The Gujarat CM was on official visit to South Gujarat town Valsad where he removed red beacon in-front of mediapersons in the morning. Sources in the State Government said that red beacons from most of the official cars were removed by evening following Rupani’s act including that of Deputy CM Patel, Chief Secretary JN Singh among others.
In fact, Rupani went a step ahead and told the police not to halt traffic on any areas even if his convoy passes. Few days back in Ahmedabad his convoy waited for traffic signal and avoid disturbing traffic flaw in the biggest city of Gujarat.
Sources in the State Government said that by beginning of May, except for public services vehicles including fire service, police, army and ambulances, there wouldn’t be any beacon on vehicles of other dignitaries including that of Governor of Gujarat.
Already decision on such ban has been taken by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Aditya Nath Yogi as well as Punjab CM 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.