Shedding a decades-old legacy, the Punjab government, led by Captain Amarinder Singh, has decided to do away with the VIP culture in the state, as promised in the Congress poll manifesto.The council of ministers, led by Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh, took the historic decision at their first cabinet meeting here.Following the decision, red and other coloured beacon light on all vehicles, except emergency hospital /ambulance/ fire brigade vehicles, the Chief Justice and the Judges of Punjab and Haryana High Court, would be abolished after a formal notification to this effect is issued. An official spokesperson said a new policy on use of such beacon lights on vehicles will soon be formulated and notified.The cabinet decision would also lead to a ban on foreign travel of all Ministers, MLAs and official state government expense for two years, except where it is so mandated or provided under and bilateral agreement or arrangement.Salary/allowances/reimbursements received by all MLAs would be updated every month on the official website and would be made available to the public. All MLAs and MPs would declare their immoveable properties on 1st January every year, and for the year 2017-18 the same would be done by 1st July this year.
The cabinet also decided to bring the reimbursement of medical expenses, including foreign medical bills of all MLAs, Ministers, ex-Ministers and the Chief Minister, to be covered under Medical /Health Insurance, minimizing the financial burden on Government.The protocol of laying foundation stones and inaugurations by Legislators and Ministers would be clearly defined and laid down, ensuring respect for all citizens. Foundation/ Inauguration stones would henceforth be laid only by the President of India, Vice-President of India, Speaker of Lok Sabha, Union Cabinet Ministers, Chief Minister, Speaker of Punjab Vidhan Sabha and the State Cabinet Ministers.No State Banquets or Dinners would be held (at government expense) except in the honor of the President of India, Vice-President of India, the Prime Minister of India, Speaker of Lok Sabha State Governors and the visiting foreign dignitaries. The District Administration would function as normal even on the visit of CM / Ministers. Any official required by the VIPs, would make himself available with the prior written permission of the appropriate authority. The Government officials would not seek resolution of the grievances, if any, directly at the political level except with the prior appointment and permission of the competent authority.