The incident had occurred at the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, where a man died because of the security detail posted outside the complex, in view of the movement of Prime Minister’s convoy.

 

Though the PM's personal apology should be lauded, but the state government's announcement of paying the man's widow a meagre relief amount of Rs two lakhs is too paltry a gesture. When the government liberally pays relief cheques like Rs 10 lakhs for tragic deaths, where no government agency is responsible, it should at least provide the same amount here, apart from employment for the wife of the victim.

 

VVIP movements should be minimised largely, on lines of US, where the US President is hardly seen at public ceremonies. Video conferencing can be best used for attendance of VVIPs at such functions.

 

The prime minister should also issue directives to restrict red / blue lights on car tops and sirens only, limiting these only for the President, Prime minister and Vice president in the centre and for Chief ministers and Governors in states. No other MLAs, MPs or bureaucrats should allowed to have these lights on their vehicles, as they are an added security risk and are only used as status symbols, causing unnecessary traffic hurdles.