Shillong, November 26: The Meghalaya Cabinet on Wednesday convened a special session at the Japanese Arena — the venue of the recently concluded Cherry Blossom and Shillong Literary Festivals — in a move described by Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma as an opportunity for the Council of Ministers to experience the festive environment. The meeting spanned nearly four hours and deliberated on 16 key agenda items.

A major decision taken during the session was the approval of a comprehensive Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to regulate the use of tinted glasses, sirens, beacons and flashers on official vehicles across the state.

According to the new SOP, tinted glasses will now be permitted only for vehicles assigned Z+ and Z category security protection. Any request for exemption will be evaluated by a committee headed by the Principal Secretary (Home).

The guidelines further specify that sirens may be used solely by police vehicles, emergency services including ambulances and fire tenders, and escort convoys of VVIPs and VIPs.

While red beacons remain completely banned in accordance with existing national legislation, flashers may be installed only by individuals or categories officially notified by the Transport Department. The Cabinet stressed that unauthorised installation of flashers, special number plates or flags will not be permitted without prior approval. The Transport Department will maintain and periodically update the list of authorised users.

The Cabinet also reiterated that the display of the national flag on vehicles must strictly comply with the Flag Code of India, 2002.

In addition, the Cabinet reviewed matters concerning the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS), aimed at strengthening the efficiency and reliability of the state’s power distribution system.