SHILLONG: In a significant decision, the Meghalaya Cabinet today resolved to take stringent measures to curb ‘VIP culture’ in the state by tightening regulations on the misuse of sirens, tinted glasses, flashers, beacons, and nameplates on vehicles.
Addressing the media after a cabinet meeting at the iconic Ward’s Lake, Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma stated that even the Chief Minister’s Office would now be required to seek permission from the Transport Department to use flashers.
Key Highlights:
Tinted Glasses: Their use will be permitted only for government vehicles of ‘Z Plus’ and ‘Z category protectees’ (those with security cover).
Sirens: The Chief Minister stated that sirens will only be allowed for Police, Emergency services, and VVIP/VIP escort vehicles. He also pointed out that the use of Red Lights/Beacons is already prohibited by the law of the country.
Nameplates: The Chief Minister informed that the Transport Department will issue a list of authorized persons who are eligible to use nameplates, and their use cannot be arbitrary.
The Flag Code of India 2002 will also be strictly followed.
The Chief Minister mentioned that police in Ri-Bhoi recently fined Tanzil Hussain, the son of a Congress MP from Assam, for the misuse of a flasher light, demonstrating the government’s seriousness about enforcing these rules.
