SHILLONG, May 27: The Meghalaya Cabinet on Wednesday approved a new regulation governing the use of name boards on official vehicles belonging to the Government of Meghalaya, in a move aimed at bringing greater discipline, uniformity, and transparency while addressing concerns related to VIP culture in the state.
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Chief
Minister Conrad K. Sangma announced the decision following a Cabinet meeting,
stating that the Transport Department has finalized guidelines identifying
which officials and designated positions are authorized to use official name
boards on government vehicles.
The
decision follows earlier measures introduced by the Meghalaya government to
regulate the use of sirens, beacon lights, and other special privileges
associated with government vehicles. According to the Chief Minister, the
latest regulation forms part of a broader effort to curb unnecessary displays
of authority and ensure proper protocol in the use of official vehicles.
“As you
recall, we had earlier come out with an SOP regulating the use of sirens,
lights, and other aspects associated with VIP culture. In line with that, the
Transport Department was asked to define who can use name boards and what the standard
format should be,” Sangma said while briefing the media.
Under the
newly approved guidelines, only specific officials and designated positions
within the government, judiciary, administration, and select statutory bodies
will be permitted to display official name boards on their vehicles. The
regulation also prescribes a uniform format for such name boards based on
official designation.
The Chief
Minister said the list of authorized positions had been prepared by the
Transport Department and approved by the Cabinet after detailed examination.
While the full list was not disclosed during the briefing, Sangma indicated
that it primarily includes senior government officials, judicial officers, and
administrative authorities.
The move
is expected to standardize the use of official name boards across the state and
eliminate unauthorized or arbitrary usage by individuals not entitled to such
privileges.
Government
sources stated that the regulation is also intended to improve clarity and
accountability regarding official vehicles, while ensuring consistency in
protocol and reducing misuse of government identity for personal or unofficial
purposes.
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In recent
years, concerns over VIP culture and misuse of privileges on government
vehicles have frequently surfaced across several states, prompting governments
to introduce stricter norms regarding the use of sirens, beacon lights,
stickers, and special markings.
The
Meghalaya government has maintained that such reforms are aimed at promoting a
more citizen-friendly administration and reducing unnecessary displays of
official status.
Officials said the Transport Department will now issue detailed operational guidelines and specifications regarding the implementation of the approved regulation in the coming days.
