HP Governor removes red beacon from his vehicle

Himachal Pradesh Governor Acharya Devvrat today removed the red beacon from his vehicle after the Union Cabinet's decision that beacon light will be removed from vehicles of all VVIPS across the country from May 1.
The Governor, who was about to leave for Delhi, asked the staff to remove the red beacon from his car and also from other vehicles of the Raj Bhawan.
He is believed to be the first Governor to remove the red beacon from his vehicle.
Welcoming the Centre's decision, Devvrat said now all dignitaries will travel in their vehicles like a common man.
Himachal Transport Minister G S Bali had discarded the red beacon even before the Union Cabinet's decision.

Seeking to end the VIP culture, the Union Cabinet had yesterday decided that beacon lights will be removed from all vehicles, except emergency vehicles, like ambulances and fire brigade.
The vehicles with beacon lights, which are seen as a symbol of VIP culture, "have no place in a democratic country", the Centre had said.
"After May 1, no one will be able to put red light atop his/her vehicle. Blue light will be used only for emergency vehicles in the country...Neither the states nor the Centre will have power to give any special permission (for use of beacon lights)," Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley had said after the Cabinet meeting.