The Mr Clean of Maharashtra politics, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, is in the course of a true reform. The young CM thinks it is high time we scrapped the colonial-era practice of giving police guard of honour to VVIPs.
Fadnavis feels there is no need to present guard of honour to dignitaries such as Governor, Chief Minister, senior ministers and officials during their district-level visits. The ceremonial event, wherein the taps of a bugler calls for a dozen constables to salute and present arms to the VVIP, is just a display of power and not an existential necessity, says Fadnavis.
Taking cue from Fadnavis, activists across the country have demanded the Centre to dispense with the tradition of presenting guard of honour to VVIPs, both at the Central and State governments.
However, the Home Ministry, which deals with protocol for dignitaries, has cold shouldered the demands. There are ministers and officials, who feel that the practice of presenting guard of honour is a harmless exercise.
History has it that the practice emanated from medieval times where the representatives of kings and emperors asserted their authority in the provinces by making the local militia present arms. It was considered as a mark of respect and an assurance that there will be no armed revolt.
Later, when the British East India Company set up the All India Civil Service, the guard of honour was made a mandatory exercise in the provincial and district headquarters. Its rule book even had a list of dignitaries, who were entitled to the special honour.
The practice continued even after Independence and the khadi-clad ministers, who had been at odds with British Raj's Indian Imperial Police, were delighted to receive this kind of an honour.
All the same, the list has been growing ever since. In Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, even political appointees have been demanding for the police honour.
Nevertheless, the Armed forces present guard of honour only to the President, Prime Minister and visiting heads of government.
In the Central government, the practice has spread to all the paramilitary forces, and they present guard of honour, not only to the Home Minister but also to officials of his ministry.
Interestingly enough, some police officers support the traditional practice saying that the ceremonial event indicates the supremacy of the elected representatives and instils a sense of discipline in police and other forces.
Tailpiece: Despite several reminders from the Supreme Court, many state governments have not issued orders to trim the list of VIPs who can use red light beacon on their official vehicles. This is ostensibly due to the pressure from the political and administrative appointees, who are now enjoying this privilege.