Himachal brings back VIP culture: red lights for babus, netas

Shimla :In an age when VIP culture is frowned upon the Himachal Pradesh government has brought back red and amber lights including flashlights for top officials.

The state cabinet which met here late Tuesday has approved the use of red lights with flasher by Lokayukta and the Advocate General.

Now amber lights with flasher can be used by all MPs, MLAs,mayor of Shimla. All IAS and IPS officers of super- time scale. All district and session judges besides all DCs and SPs.

The cabinet also decided that blue lights without flasher can be used by officers of the transport department having challaning powers and all excise and taxation officers in the district.

This decision is seen by many as against the spirit of the Supreme Court order which is for minimum use of red, amber and blue lights atop vehicles.