- Survey shows VIP culture in India has grown significantly in the past year
- 77% of respondents report increased VIP culture across various public spaces
- Roadways and tolls show highest VIP culture presence at 81% among commuters
The shadow of privilege, in the form of 'special treatment' and VIP culture has not only persisted, but grown rapidly in the last twelve months in India, according to a nation-wide survey conducted by localcircles. The study, which garnered over 54,000 responses across 333 districts of India reveals that 77% of them believe that VIP culture has zoomed considerably over the last twelve months specifically.
Moreover, the culture penetrates through various spaces — from places of worship, to roadways, airlines, private and public events and even hospitals.
A whopping majority of people have seen VIP culture on roadways and tolls, "81% of those who have commuted or traveled by roads and tollways in the last 1 year say VIP culture can be easily observed," the study highlighted.
Similarly, airports and airlines also give preferential treatment to VIPs, according to 70% of those surveyed.
Apart from places of travel, according to 80% of those surveyed, this culture can be observed at public and private events also. Not so surprisingly, 77% of citizens surveyed say VIP culture is not reducing in India. When comparing the survey results in 2024 and this year, it is established that the percentage of citizens who have experienced VIP culture has increased from 64% to 77%.
Places of worship such as temples, gurudrawaras, and bigger events like the Maha Kumbh have an overwhelming presence of a VIP culture, with 83% of those who have visited religious places in the last 1 year claiming the same. Many-a-times, preferential treatment of VIPs is given precendence over crowd control in these places.
Apart from this, 80% of respondents indicated presence of VIP culture in Public and Private Events, 74% of respondents indicated government offices, 57% of respondents indicated hospitals.
Lionel Messi “GOAT India Tour” in December last year also attracted criticism for how VIP access displaced ordinary fans, igniting discussions about elitism in major cultural events.
Measures have been taken time and again to downsize on the elitism in question such as SC curbing the use of beacon lights on vehicles generally used by high dignitaries holding Constitutional posts while on duty, yet not much has come of it. Other government institutions like the Indian Railways also announced initiatives to reduce VIP culture.
The study urges every Central and State Government leader to take responsibility for reducing the culture by holding their MPs and MLAs accountable.
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