Red beacon fiasco: Captain Amarinder Singh fires transport department official
The CM clarified that the red beacon policy will not be changed at any cost and the removal of red beacons is a part of his government's commitment to eradicate the VVIP culture in the state.
In Short
- We are fully committed to end the VVIP culture in the state, the CM said.
- Captain Singh has directed the DGP to cut duty hours of police officials.
- Cops relieved from VVIP duties would be available to strengthen policing.
Issuing red beacon orders that allowed the chief minister and his cabinet colleagues, judges as well as the Chief Justice of Punjab and Haryana High Court on Tuesday cost dear to the transport official who was transferred by Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh today.
The chief minister has also ruled out any slowdown in the review and withdrawal of security to political leaders in the state.
He also clarified that the red beacon policy will not be changed at any cost and the removal of red beacons is a part of his government's commitment to eradicate the VVIP culture in the state.
"We are fully committed to end the VVIP culture in the state and there would be no further relaxation in the exemptions, barring those laid down by the cabinet. My cabinet colleagues would not use the red beacons, which they had decided to voluntarily give up even though the Congress manifesto had exempted them," Captain Amarinder Singh said.
Singh categorically stated that he had directed the chief secretary to immediately shift out the officers and officials responsible for Tuesday's goof-up.
He also said that the decision to withdraw security from political leaders and officers will also be implemented in letter and spirit.
CAPTAIN COMES TO RESCUE OF POLICE OFFICIALS
Captain Amarinder Singh has directed the DGP to cut duty hours of police officials besides the weekly offs.
The surplus police personnel relieved from these superfluous (VVIP) duties would be available for posting in their respective district zones to strengthen public policing.
"I have already asked the DGP to work out a proposal for giving a weekly off and 8-hour duty schedule for the police personnel in order to create a congenial atmosphere to work," Captain Amarinder Singh said.
The chief minister said he had directed the DGP to take necessary action for implementing the security review decision in the interest of good policing and for the welfare of the police.
"The security was given on threat perceptions. The letter which had created confusion among the media was written before the preliminary meeting which was held with the DGP on March 24," he clarified.
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