Odisha govt orders removal of red beacons from VVIP vehicles

Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik today ordered removal of red beacons from the cars of all VVIPs in the state with immediate effect.
Patnaik also took the red beacon off his official car.
The Chief Minister issued a directive in this regard hours after the Union Cabinet decided to ban use of beacon lights atop vehicles of dignitaries and government officials.
The Union Cabinet's decision comes into effect from May 1.
"The Chief Minister returned to his residence from the state secretariat after removing the red beacon from his official vehicle," a communication received from the Chief Minister's Office said.

Last month, Leader of Opposition in Odisha Assembly Narasingha Mishra had stopped using the red beacon on his official vehicle.
The Union Cabinet has decided that beacon lights will be removed from all vehicles, except emergency vehicles, like ambulances and fire brigade.