Shillong: Succumbing to public pressure over the VIP culture, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Friday announced that the government will introduce a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to regulate the use of sirens, tinted glasses, and flickering lights in the state. The SOP aims to minimise inconvenience caused to the public and will be strictly implemented.
The Chief Minister stated, “I have been receiving a large number of complaints and concerns from citizens about what people are calling VIP culture. It is, of course, a matter of concern. But we also have to look at it from multiple angles. There is a concern for security and safety, which should not be mixed with the aspect of culture. Safety and security are one aspect, which is something we personally feel is important and should not be compromised. But if that safety and security concern becomes more of an attitude, and it is used in the wrong way, then I think that really is the problem.”
He emphasized the need for proper regulation, revealing that a meeting with Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong, the Chief Secretary, the Director-General of Police (DGP), and the police department was held last week to discuss the issue. The police department has been tasked with preparing the SOP, specifying who can use sirens, tinted glasses, and flickering lights, and under what circumstances.
“The SOP will be brought before the Cabinet by next week. We will be creating a strict SOP regarding who can and who cannot use the sirens, tinted glasses, or flickering lights; where they can be used and how they should be used,” Sangma stated.
He reiterated the importance of balancing security protocols for individuals under categories like Z Plus, Z, and Y, with the need to prevent misuse that could inconvenience the public.
“Those aspects need to be balanced. As I had mentioned, keeping the safety and security matter in front of us, we will work towards ensuring that this safety and security is not abused in a manner in which it becomes a nuisance to the public. The balancing of these two is what is required,” he said.
The Chief Minister assured that once the SOP is passed in the Cabinet, it will help reduce public inconvenience caused by the misuse of VIP privileges.
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