KEY POINTS:
In India's stratified and status-conscious society nothing says: "Make way, I'm a very important person" better than a bright red beacon on the roof of your car. Indeed, so popular is this particular official accessory that sometimes when driving around the bureaucratic hub of central Delhi, it seems that every other vehicle is carrying a VIP.
But not for much longer. Having decided that the value of a red beacon is being reduced by their ubiquity, the authorities are to reduce the number of people eligible for them. Among those to lose out are members of Parliament, who will now no longer be able to speed through the capital's terrible traffic.
Although many MPs have red lights on top of their cars, they are technically not permitted them. A panel from the country's upper house of Parliament, the Rajya Sabha, has repeatedly written to the Government asking for clarification on the issue and demanding that members be allowed to use the beacons.
"What is the purpose of a red beacon? It denotes that the person is important and it is essential for him or her to get smooth passage," panel member J. P. Aggarwal recently told reporters.
He added: "We asked the ministry to state the grounds on which usage of a red beacon was allowed ...
"Why should MPs, who are elected by the people, not get the right to use it?"
The Government set up its own committee to look into the MPs' request. But, according to a report in the Indian Express, that committee concluded last week that MPs should suffer in Delhi's gridlocked traffic with everyone else.
- INDEPENDENT
