By Col Bhaskar Bharti (Retd)
Uttarakhand, a state known for its humility, discipline, and civic-minded citizenry, is now grappling with an alarming rise in unauthorised display of beacons, flags and un-authorised appointment plates on vehicles—a trend that reflects not pride in public service, but a disturbing degeneration of social values. What was once a symbol of legitimate authority and responsibility is now being flaunted recklessly by individuals with neither mandate nor merit. Many such self-styled VIPs flout Government of India Gazette norms and Standard Operating Protocols (SOPs) with impunity, abusing the symbolism of beacons, flags, sirens, appointment plates and tinted windows. The result: the social fabric is being torn apart by egoistic display, unlawful entitlement, and blatant disregard for rules. This certainly reflects the unsuccessful attempt to hide inferiority complexes in the garb of pseudo chauvinism.
Muscle Power, Money Power, and Manufactured Prestige
This surge is not just about vehicles – it’s a symptom of a deeper societal malaise. A significant number of individuals with no real authority, public responsibility, requisite qualifications/appointments or credible contribution, are now asserting a false sense of bravado through beacons and flags. Backed by muscle power, political affiliations, or newfound wealth, they often hide their incompetency and deep-seated inferiority complexes behind symbols that were once associated with public service and dignified decorum of society. Worse, many of them operate under the pretense of belonging to: Political parties (often fringe or unrecognised); Religious fronts; Pseudo-social organisations; Or newly mushroomed outfits in the garb of nationalism or caste-based identity politics.
These organisations, unregulated and often unregistered, provide a convenient shield for lawbreakers to masquerade as protectors of society, while, in reality, they deepen the divide and exploit public sentiment.
Erosion of Public Confidence and Rule of Law
The common citizen – who waits in traffic, follows the law, and contributes quietly – now feels increasingly embarrassed, humiliated and alienated. Their dignity is assaulted daily when these unauthorised so called VIPs race past traffic, toll plazas, threaten public servants, or bully normal citizens in the name of status and affiliation. This has led to: Public anger and rising distrust in institutions; A dangerous precedent where lawbreakers become role models; The de-legitimisation of genuine public service and uniformed authority.
What Must Be Done: Urgent Government Action Required
The government must act firmly and swiftly to curb this nefarious culture of false VIP-ism:
- Categorical Reaffirmation of Gazette & SOP Guidelines: Clearly publicise who is authorized to use beacons, flags, and sirens—with no room for ambiguity or interpretation.
- Ban on Unauthorised Symbols of Power:
Strict prohibition of political, religious, caste-based, or organisational flags on vehicles. A fine and immediate removal should be enforced. - Scrutinise Fake Organisations: Investigate and shut down unregistered, agenda-driven groups exploiting nationalist or religious emotions to claim fake legitimacy.
- Enforcement without Fear or Favour: Law enforcement agencies must be empowered and supported to act without political pressure. No one should be above the law—regardless of affiliations.
- Public Reporting Mechanism: Launch a citizen’s portal/app to report unauthorised use of beacons, flags, and convoys—ensuring transparency and follow-up.
Restore Order, Reclaim Dignity
The time has come to end this spectacle of entitlement. Uttarakhand’s spirit is built on simplicity, sincerity, and service—not on sirens, flags, or feudal behaviour. The state must act to reclaim the roads, the laws, and the people’s trust. VIP chauvinism has no place in a true democracy. Let the law—not the loudest flag—lead the way. And mind you, the flags and beacons are earned and commanded, not demanded.
Jai Hind
(The author is an army veteran and a social commentator. He is an alumnus of National Defence Academy and Indian Military Academy. He is a Post Graduate in HRM and Journalism and Mass Communication. He is based in Dehradun.)
