IMPHAL, June 16: In compliance to a decision of the Supreme Court limiting the use of red light beacon with flashers on vehicles, the State cabinet has also decided to restrict its use to only five posts in the State.
The cabinet has decided that vehicles fitted with the red beacon with flashers will be allowed for only the Governor of Manipur, Chief Minister, deputy Chief Minister, Speaker Manipur Legislative Assembly and Chief Justice of the Manipur High Court.
Briefing the media today, government spokesperson and CAF&PD minister, M Okendra, said that the decision was adopted during a cabinet meeting convene today at 3 pm chaired by the Chief Minister.
He clarified that there are no specific instruction to the State to restrict the facility to only five persons but considering the law and order situation, the use of the facility has been restricted.
He said the facility is still entitled to around 30 dignitaries in neighbouring Assam.
The Supreme Court of India had banned the use of red beacon with flasher lights on all vehicles except for high dignitaries holding constitutional posts and limited high functionaries.
The decision will soon come into effect on short notice, said the minister while appealing to all officials who are currently using the beacon to remove them within seven days from the issuance of the notice.
He further divulged that the MLAs and ministers will be allotted with name plates identifying their designation while on official duty.
Emergency services like the ambulances and the fire tenders can use the blue beacons, he said.
Briefing on other agendas discussed during the meeting, Okendro said that a stronger version of the “Dos and dont’s” would be enforced under the Imphal Municipal Council for cleanliness and sanitation with an objective to keep Imphal city clean.
Meanwhile, the Minister divulged that the Government will acquire 3000 acres of land in Moreh to build a new township but the nature of acquisition will be decided by a sub-committee of the cabinet after a spot enquiry. The new town will incorporate export manufacturing units, IT, education, shopping mall, art and culture centres etc., he said.