DNA Micro Edit: Emergency clause should not be an excuse for flasher lights

After Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched his initiative to get rid of the so-called VVIP culture, the Union Cabinet on April 19 decided to end the use of red beacons atop vehicles used by government officials and dignitaries.

The use of these laal battis, the Hindi terms for red beacons that colloquially also denotes power and pelf,  has been banned since May 1, 2017. But whether it will be implemented on the ground is the biggest challenge.

Now, Delhi Police has come out with an order stating that officers can only use flasher lights while on emergency or law-and-order duties. But the question of who will monitor whether these officers are on ‘emergency duty’ remains.

The Delhi police must enforce this order to make sure it is not misused by some. Enforcement is the key to any initiative, and for VVIP culture to end those in authority need to crack down on violators.

Delhi, by virtue of being the national capital, houses the high and mighty who are addicted to VVIP culture and it will be challenging for law enforcement agencies to change their behaviour overnight.

We need to wait and watch to see if the PM’s directive is followed in letter and spirit, and that officers don’t use the ‘emergency duty’ excuse to use flasher lights. They need be on the lookout for those who will try to game the system to continue with VVIP culture.