In a historic step to do away with elitism and status quo in the country, Modi government announced on Wednesday that starting from May 1st, the symbol of government, the Laal Batti (red beacon), which sits proudly on top of the official cars and vehicles in India, shall not be used anymore. The only leniency shall be provided to emergency vehicles as ambulances, etc. The vehicles used for Prime Minister, President and other top officials shall also not boast the symbol of power, the Laal Batti, anymore. The official Twitter handle of Prime Minister Modi has since been tweeted at many times by common citizens, celebrities and online trolls, congratulating him for this historic step.
Thank you very much. https://t.co/Ky1XXcglv6
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 20, 2017
In a tweet this morning, Prime Minister pronounced every Indian to be a VIP from now onward.
Every Indian is special. Every Indian is a VIP. https://t.co/epXuRdaSmY
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 19, 2017
The Laal Batti since independence has been a symbol of power and status in the Indian society given that only government officials could use it. The red siren also helped the official vehicles move easy and ahead in the times of great traffic congestion. While the Aam Aadmi suffered for hours in the long lanes of traffic, the red siren slowly became the object of envy and wrath. The decision which was announced by Finance Minister Arun Jaitley in a press conference was long awaited by the common public.
In a historic decision taken by Modi govt, red beacons 'Lal Batti' culture comes to an end. No VIP class anymore. #EveryoneVIPinNewIndia pic.twitter.com/eRsaGGr0ZY
— BJP (@BJP4India) April 19, 2017
It is to be noted that it was current Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal who first announced the official refusal to use vehicles with red beacon. Current Punjab and UP governments have also asked their officials to not use the red beacon on their vehicles.
The announcement shall be implemented by coming May 1 under the Ministry of Road Transport and Highway. The Minister for it, Nitin Gadkari, tweeted to welcome the decision and called it “a step forward”. He also noticed that this decision shall make the society more aware and sensitive towards emergency vehicles.
Usage of red beacon tied us back to colonial legacy. With LalBatti removal PM @narendramodi's vision of New India took a step forward
— Nitin Gadkari (@nitin_gadkari) April 19, 2017
Today is an apt day to take a vow to create awareness on the importance of right off way for Ambulances and Emergency Services
— Nitin Gadkari (@nitin_gadkari) April 19, 2017
This decision shall indeed move India one more step towards equality as is proclaimed in the preface to our constitution. And emergency vehicles shall get their due on roads.
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