Govt directs officers to stop using ‘lal batti' on vehicles
Bhubaneswar: State govt has issued strict directives to its officers to stop using red beacons on their vehicles, reinforcing compliance with the Centre's nationwide ban implemented on May 1, 2017.
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The govt has also asked departments like police and fire services to obtain permissions as per law from the transport department to use multi-coloured flickering beacons.
The move comes following reports of alleged violations by several govt officials. In a letter addressed to all departments, transport secretary Usha Padhee has specified that only those vehicles involved in emergency response and disaster management operations — police, fire service, Army and ambulances — are permitted to display multi-coloured flashing lights only when they are on duty.
In her letter, she highlighted the illegal use of red beacon, amber and multi-coloured flickering lights by "govt field functionaries" who are not authorised to use them. Padhee said, "Officials may use them with approval of the transport department."
"As of now, the transport commissioner's office (authorised officer) has not received any request from any govt department for grant of permission. Suitable instructions may kindly be issued to the subordinate offices under your administrative control, not to use amber/red/blue light on their vehicles," the letter read.
"In case the vehicles are used for emergency purposes, then they should use the multicolour light with due permission from the transport commissioner, Odisha," it said.
On April 19, 2017, the Union Cabinet decided to amend the Motor Vehicles Act to end the use of red or any coloured beacon by all, including the President, Vice-President and Prime Minister.
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