The Narendra Modi government has banned red beacons to keep country’s rampant VIP culture in check. The new rule is applicable to vehicles used by the Prime Minister, the Presidents and the Chief Ministers. Only vehicles using emergency services have been exempted. One of the first VIPs to welcome the order and took off the read beacon from her car was Union Textile Minister Smriti Irani.
Removed ‘Lal Batti’ from my car. PM @narendramodi ji’s decision is a welcome step towards reaffirming our belief in #EveryoneVIPinNewIndia. pic.twitter.com/ThEhgfrQr7
— Smriti Z Irani (@smritiirani) April 19, 2017
Earlier, in 2013, the Supreme Court had also directed the government to crack down on the rampant misuse of it. Ending the ‘Lal Batti’ culture is a welcome move but there are a slew of privileges unnecessarily enjoyed by our lawmakers that could be done away with. Here are some of the perks enjoyed by our netas which is also responsible for rampant VIP culture in the country.
1) The salary of our elected representatives is tax-free.
2) They also avail additional perquisites such as free petrol, free telephone calls and free housing.
3) A lawmaker with VIP status gets a security of around 17 policemen.
4) VVIPs are not frisked at airports unlike common man, they are given immunity by Centre.
5) MPs and MLAs are also provided with subsidised food at Parliament and Assembly canteens, respectively.
6) A VIP get 50,000 units of free electricity and water. They stay in a house furnished and maintained by the government.
