SHILLONG: A day after a government vehicle was torched during the KSU bike rally that turned violent, the Meghalaya government has tightened security norms for all official vehicles.
The Secretariat Administration Department, in an office order, has directed all ministers, advisers, chairmen and officers allotted government vehicles to ensure their safety, making it clear that the instructions must be followed without exception.
The government has directed that official vehicles be parked only at designated secure locations within the Secretariat or at places specifically approved by the competent authority. It has also cautioned against leaving them unattended in public places, especially during late evening and night hours.
Where a vehicle is kept at an officer’s private residence, the officer must ensure that it is parked securely and protected from theft or vandalism.
The order has further warned drivers against leaving keys inside unattended vehicles or handing them over to unauthorised persons. Drivers have also been cautioned against storing inflammable materials, fuel containers or other hazardous substances in or around the vehicle.
Drivers have been asked to carry out a basic security check before leaving a vehicle for the night, ensuring that it is properly locked, the windows are closed and no valuables or official documents are left inside.
In cases where a vehicle is to remain parked for an extended period, particularly during holidays or when the Secretariat is closed, it should be kept at the designated secure parking area, with information provided to the controlling authority.
Any damage, attempted theft, suspicious activity or unauthorised use must be reported immediately. In case of loss, theft or vandalism, a police complaint should be filed without delay.
The order, issued by Secretary Swapnil Tembe, also said that in the event of any untoward incident, the matter should be immediately reported to the Police Control Room.
