In a country where VIP culture had turned cancerous, Modi government’s move to ban the red beacon atop cars of all ministers, politicians and bureaucrats, effective 1st May, came as a wonderful and welcome surprise. In fact, what was even wonderful to note was that even the Prime Minister himself was not exempt from the ban (nor was the President for that matter). This move offered a promised of a long-awaited change: one that would see the end of Babudom.
In fact, just a few weeks back, the government went further ahead to take yet another affirmative step towards ending the VIP culture in Indian Railways by revoking a 1981 circular, where it was mandatory for the general managers to present themselves upon the arrival and/or departure of the Railway Board Chairman and other Board members. Moreover, all senior railway officials were also ordered to relieve all railway staff that were working as domestic help in their respective homes. That move, in fact, came as a breath of fresh air that promised that we would no longer be playing plebeians to pompous politicians.
Hence, given the government’s drive to remove VIP culture that has pervaded the politicians and bureaucrats, Yogi Adityanath’s circular to government officials, directing them to stand up and welcome (upon arrival) and stand up and bid farewell (upon departure) all MPs or MLAs who visit their premises comes as a major shock. Of course, that isn’t all! The circular also warns of stern disciplinary action being initiated against all those officers who do not adhere to or follow the prescribed guidelines in the circular!
To say that we are left shocked would actually be an understatement. In fact, what was even more shocking was that the matter was even raised on the floor of the state legislature. Moreover, it was no picnic either to witness their spokesperson vehemently defend the government’s action. The expected excuse: ‘This is not a new circular!’
Well, even if the circular isn’t new and has been around for eons, the Uttar Pradesh government would have done well by following the Centre’s example of setting aside such ludicrous circulars and taking an affirmative step towards removing the malaise of VIP culture that seems to have pervaded both the bureaucracy and the legislature. After all, as Narendra Modi has been poignantly pointing out how the New India has to move away from the VIP culture, where every person is important (EIP)!
In a country that aspires to be counted amongst the world superpowers, we cannot let the colonial mindset prevail! It is time that we finally say No to VIP Culture and work towards creating the meritocracy that would help propel us towards our goal. Otherwise, we will waste our time and energies on stupid etiquette that is not going to get us anywhere. Thus, Yogi Adityanath’s government would do well to rethink their pompous circular and follow Narendra Modi’s example by eliminating the VIP culture that has set in. Furthermore, even if the circular is the remnant of their predecessors, he should once again follow Modi’s lead by revoking the controversial circular. And that would finally herald a new era in India: one where every person was important!
