The government feels beacons are seen as symbols of a VIP culture that has no place in a democratic country.
“It has been decided to do away with beacons of all kinds on top of all categories of vehicles in the country,” Minister of Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari said after the Cabinet meeting. Beacons, however, would be allowed on vehicles employed in emergency and relief services like ambulances and fire tenders, an official statement

)