Beacon ban raised security cost: CM Mamata Banerjee

Kolkata: Chief minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday lashed out at the Centre for not responding to the state’s objections about using red beacons and attributed it as the reason behind not implementing the Centre’s directive. Responding to a query about Mr Aroop Biswas using red beacon on his vehicle in Darjeeling, Ms Banerjee said, “I think Aroop has done nothing wrong, as the state is not bound to abide by the rule. The matter is under the Concurrent List and it is the Centre’s duty to consult the state government before deciding anything. Our chief secretary has written to the Centre with certain objections. But the Centre issued its directive even before the time period for getting feedback from the states. There was no hearing and the verdict was passed.”

The CM further said that she believes that the decision of banning beacons has led to increase of cost. “Instead of using beacons, we now have to arrange for an escort car with five persons. Is using the beacon not cheaper than spending on the escort car?” she questioned, and said that the state should have been allowed to think of an alternative to beacons.

“None of my ministers use the beacon within the city. But there has to be an alternative to beacons for national highways. In the highways it is difficult to travel without beacons. The vehicles run at a very high speed. Accidents are on the rise and many people drive in drunken condition. So, how would our ministers and secretaries travel on the highways unless there is something as substitute,” she added.