Guwahati, May 20 (IANS) 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 call 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

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