NEW DELHI: Hours after government announced
ban on the use of red beacons by VIPs, Prime Minister
Narendra Modi on Wednesday tweeted that "every Indian is special. Every Indian is a VIP".
The PM was responding to a tweet praising
government's decision on red beacons , "today u told no need of red color light in VIP car, good dession modiji, now all Indians VIP only.." (SIC)
Acknowledging another tweet, the PM said, "Good phrase"
To a tweet congratulating PM Modi for the "historic step", Modi expressed satisfaction.
PM Modi spoke of the "spirit of new India" while responding to another tweet.
On Wednesday, the government announced no dignitary will be allowed to flaunt red beacons atop their vehicles from May 1.
"From May 1, no red beacon will be allowed atop any official vehicle. There will be no exceptions," Finance Minister Arun Jaitley told reporters here after a cabinet meeting.
"It is more precisely the Prime Minister's decision. He only informed the cabinet about it," Jaitley told reporters after the cabinet meet.
Vehicles involved in emergency and relief and rescue services, ambulances, and fire services, will, however, be allowed to put blue beacons, the minister said.
Jaitley said the government will bring about the necessary amendment to the Central Motor Vehicle Rules, 1989, in this regard.
"Rule 108 deals with use of red, white and blue lights on vehicles. Rule 108-1 (III) says the Centre and states can specify dignitaries who can use beacons on their (official) vehicles. It is a central rule and is being abolished from the rule book," Jaitley said.