Beacon ban will increase state expenditure, says CM

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee once again took a dig at the Modi government in connection with the removal of beacon lights from vehicles, saying that it has resulted in an increase in the expenditure of the state government as pilot cars will now have to be provided after the removal of beacon lights.

She said that the state government had written a letter to the Centre in this connection but is yet to receive a reply.

Banerjee said that she doesn't use cars fitted with beacon lights. Similarly, none of her ministers use them in Kolkata. However, beacon-fitted cars are a necessity while travelling on highways. This is a safety measure as speeding trucks on highways hardly even mind police vehicles.

Banerjee said: "Earlier, the use of beacon-fitted cars was sufficient. Now, an escort has to be provided. It will result in an increase in expenses. An escort car means five policemen have to be engaged as well as the costs of the car and fuel."

"This (the use of beacon light) is also on the concurrent list. They (Centre) had sent us a letter seeking our views on the issue of beacon-fitted cars in the state and a reply had to be given within 10 days. However, the ban on the use of beacon-fitted cars was announced on the midnight of the day before we had sent our reply objecting to the proposal of the Centre," she said, adding that this decision was also taken in an autocratic manner as it is the purview of the state to allow the use of beacon-fitted cars.