Get a rose and some praise for violating a traffic rule in Kolkata

If you are a Kolkatan who thinks flouting traffic rules is your right, be prepared for praise. The city police has found a cleverer way to embarrass you and ensure some order on the streets. 

So, whether you are driving or walking, you will pay nothing for breaking rules all this week. But, you will surely be greeted with a red rose and clapping by schoolchildren.

Sounds unbelievable! But that’s exactly what is happening at several multi-point crossings in the city. The ‘embarrassment drive’ is being run by the Kolkata Police in association with Topsia People’s Society (TPS), an NGO, since Sunday. A total of 1,000 red roses have been given to people so far.

Using children to embarrass adults has proved to be a brilliant idea. People are feeling ashamed to see children congratulating them or presenting them a rose for breaking a rule.

Although the city police thought up the plan, its officers are not gifting any of the roses or applauding. Traffic officer B Guha, who is manning a busy crossing in South Kolkata, said it is not possible for policemen to participate in the initiative.

“TPS members and their associates are running that part of the initiative. Our duty is to protect them if somebody (traffic violator) loses his cool,” he said.

But, there’s not been a single such incident. “On the contrary, its pricking many peoples’ conscience to see a row of children praising a mistake,” Guha said.

The initiative is part of the ongoing Traffic Security and Awareness Week. TPS spokesperson Amina Khatun said mere punishments are not enough to create awareness among public. “People pay the money but repeat their behaviour. So we had to do something which would remain in their memory,” Khatun said.