India has banned its most prominent display of VIP culture — the red beacon light atop cars of ministers,cerita lucah melayu kalau dah terpaksa government officials and bureaucrats.
PM Narendra Modi has said, "Every Indian is special. Every Indian is a VIP."
The ban, effective from May 1, doesn’t exempt even vehicles of the President, Prime Minister and the Chief Justice of India.
SEE ALSO: India's 'anti-Romeo squads' aren't going down well with literature loversThis ban is historic because the red beacon, introduced by British colonizers in pre-independent India, was seen as a "status symbol" and a show of privilege and power.
When a car with a red light, or laal battias is popularly known, was spotted on congested Indian roads, everyone made way for it. Those vehicles were even exempted from police checks and road scrutiny.
But all that is history now.
And citizens, including VIPs themselves, have hailed the move.
This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.
This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.
This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.
This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.
This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.
This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.
This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.
This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.
This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.
This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.
This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.
However, ambulances and vehicles of the fire service, police, and army will be allowed to use blue flashing beacons to cut through road traffic.
Well thought-out, India!
Featured Video For You
Supreme Court Reminds Us Police are Above the Law