Crackdown on misuse of 'Press' tags in Meghalaya from April 1

Following a Supreme Court ban on misuse of beacons on unauthorised vehicles, Meghalaya government today said it would begin a crackdown on the misuse of 'Press' tags on unauthorised vehicles from April 1.
The Information and Public Relations department is issuing a tamper proof 'Press' tag for vehicles used by genuine mediapersons for discharging of their duties from the first day of next month, H M Shangpliang, Director of Information and Public Relations said in a statement today.
The tag would be countersigned by the Superintendent of Police, he said.
According to Shangpliang, it was observed that many individuals who are not mediapersons were using the 'Press' tag on their vehicles which was viewed as an act of 'impersonation and misuse' of the privileges of mediapersons.

All media organisations have been asked to furnish a list of vehicles used by their representatives for discharging of their duties, he said.
The Supreme Court has banned use of red beacons with flashers on all vehicles except those used by high officials holding constitutional posts.
The apex court has also asked the government to make appropriate amendments in the Motor Vehicles Act to make fine amounts a deterrent.