Kerala: Name boards rampant flouting rules

Kannur: Despite an existing Motor Vehicle Act which restricts the use of name boards displaying the name ‘Government of Kerala’ for specific dignitaries like ministers, speaker etc, many departments and officials are breaching the rule in order to get special privileges. Though the rampant violations of using beacon lights ceased to exist after the Union government’s policy to end VIP culture, the illegal use of name boards is still continuing despite many circulars and warnings from the Motor Vehicle department.  

Another law which bans the use of designation board on vehicles is also being ignored. In an incident on Sunday, the Kannur Motor Vehicle department took action against a vehicle in the name of Kerala State Cooperative Marketing Federation Ltd (MARKETFED) Managing Director Dr P Suresh Babu, an IAS officer. Though it was not clear whether the vehicle was the official car of the MD, the Innova car (KL 07 CD 3299) has been displaying ‘Kerala Government’ on it, violating the rules. Speaking to DC, Motor Vehicle Inspector Anil Kumar, who initiated action against the car, said that the report had been handed over to the Transport Commissioner for department level action.

“We initiated prosecution steps against the driver and the registered owner (MarketFed MD),” he said. “Notice has been issued to the MD to produce all vehicles before the Ernakulam RTO to remove the Kerala State boards. According to the information received from the Flying Squad, MarketFed has five such vehicles plying,” he added. Deputy Transport Commissioner (North Zone) Dr P.M Mohammed Najeeb said that the use of ‘Kerala State’ on vehicles was more rampant among political appointees in various government bodies. “According to the rule, such vehicles can use boards with a blue background and black letters. But many are seen violating that,” he said.  “However things are different abroad. During a recent visit to Dubai, I came to know that MVD officials were even charging the royal family members sitting in key posts for violating rules and all followed the rules,” added.