In a significant development, the Jharkhand government has issued a notification banning the use of various types of boards on both private and commercial vehicles, aiming to enhance road safety and streamline transportation. However, controversy has emerged over the exclusion of media vehicles from displaying “PRESS” signage.
The directive, signed by the state’s transport secretary K. Ravikumar, aims to prevent confusion regarding the status of vehicles on the road and ensure an uninterrupted transport system. Prompted by a directive from the Jharkhand High Court in response to a public interest litigation, the notification outlines specific guidelines regarding which vehicles are permitted to display boards.
According to the notification, vehicles belonging to high-ranking officials such as the governor, chief minister, ministers, Assembly Speaker, chief justice, and other dignitaries are entitled to affix boards measuring 18 inches by 6 inches, provided they do not obstruct registration plates. Designated government officials, including the chief secretary, secretaries, deputy commissioners, superintendents of police, and certain central government officials, are also authorized to display such boards in their official vehicles.
However, controversy has arisen over the exclusion of media vehicles from displaying “PRESS” signage. The Jharkhand Journalists Association has strongly condemned the Transport Department’s order, urging Transport Minister Champai Soren to withdraw it immediately. In a letter addressed to the minister and other department secretaries, the association highlighted that traffic rules are governed by regulations framed by the Government of India, and no such rule penalizes the display of “PRESS” on vehicles used by journalists under Emergency Services.
Traditionally, vehicles associated with Emergency Services, including medical (ambulance), police (government vehicles), and media (press), clearly display their designation for easy identification during emergencies. However, the Jharkhand government’s order redefines Emergency Services to include state government ministers, members of the Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, Vidhan Sabha, as well as municipal officials, raising concerns among journalists and media professionals.
The controversy underscores the need for clarity and consensus in regulatory measures aimed at enhancing road safety while respecting the essential role of media in emergency response and public information dissemination. As discussions continue, stakeholders emphasize the importance of balancing regulatory objectives with the practical needs of emergency responders and media personnel alike.