Assam BJP MLA Saikia calls for reducing VIP convoys, security expenditure
Guwahati, May 20
BJP MLA from the Khumtai Assembly constituency in Assam, Mrinal Saikia, on Wednesday called for major cuts in VIP convoy culture and excessive security arrangements for ministers, saying such practices create inconvenience for the public and lead to unnecessary expenditure.
Speaking to reporters on the issue of austerity measures, Saikia said that while governments may not be able to control all prices in the market, they can certainly reduce avoidable official expenses and set an example of financial discipline.
"The government may not be able to reduce every price rise, but unnecessary government expenditure can definitely be reduced," the BJP legislator said.
Saikia particularly criticised the practice of ministers travelling with long convoys of vehicles accompanied by pilot escorts and heavy police deployment.
"Except for the Chief Minister, there is no need for ministers to move around with so many vehicles. Sometimes I myself drive alone and I see huge convoys passing at high speed. What is the need for 10 to 15 vehicles moving together like that?" he asked.
The MLA also questioned the deployment of pilot vehicles and scooter escorts, especially those used during the movement of ministers and VIPs.
"In many cases, pilot scooters block entire roads and no other vehicle is allowed to pass. This creates unnecessary disruption. Such arrangements are not required all the time," he said.
According to Saikia, excessive security protocols not only burden the administration financially but also create traffic hazards and public resentment.
"So many police personnel remain engaged for VIP movement. That much deployment is not necessary. This is not only about economic austerity, it should become a permanent administrative culture to avoid unnecessary expenses," he added.
The BJP legislator further warned that reckless VIP convoy movements can lead to accidents, as ordinary commuters often panic while trying to make way for speeding escort vehicles.
"Many times people suddenly move aside in fear when pilot vehicles rush through roads. There is always a possibility of accidents and it causes immense inconvenience to the public. Naturally, people become angry," Saikia said.
His remarks come amid the state government's decision to downsize the convoys of ministers in accordance with the austerity measures called for by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the backdrop of the crisis in West Asia that emerged due to the ongoing war between the US and Iran.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Saikia ji is absolutely right. But I'm a bit skeptical - will this actually be implemented? Every politician says this but when they get into power, they demand the same VIP treatment. Let's see if the Assam government walks the talk. Baaki, common sense toh har kisi mein honi chahiye! 😅
This is a welcome move. I still remember last month when a pilot scooter blocked the entire Guwahati-Shillong road for 15 minutes just because some minister was passing. People were honking, it was chaos. Hope other states also learn from this. Jugaad culture needs to end.
Very refreshing to see a politician actually thinking about the common citizen. The inconvenience caused by VIP convoys is real, and the security expenditure is indeed excessive. But I hope this isn't just a statement for publicity - we need concrete action and a timeline for implementation.
I agree with reducing convoy size but security concerns are real too. There have been threats to politicians in the Northeast. Maybe we can find a middle ground - reduce the bling and show-off but don't compromise genuine security needs. The pilot scooter blocking roads is definitely over the top though. 🤔
It's great to see politicians calling for fiscal discipline. The fact that an MLA himself drives alone sometimes shows that the VIP attitude can be changed. But let's also remember that this money could be better spent on healthcare and education. We need more such leaders who walk the talk. 🙏
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