In a significant move away from colonial-era protocols, the Chhattisgarh government has officially abolished the long-standing practice of extending ceremonial Guard of Honour to ministers and senior police officers during their routine visits and inspections across the state.
Order Issued to Enhance Police Deployment
The decision was formalised through an official order issued by the state's Home Department on December 19, 2025, and has come into immediate effect. The order states that the existing system of ceremonial salutes was thoroughly reviewed and subsequently amended. The primary objectives are to enhance the functional deployment of police personnel and to consciously move away from administrative practices rooted in the colonial framework.
Reform Initiated by Deputy CM Vijay Sharma
This administrative reform was initiated on the specific intervention of Deputy Chief Minister and Home Minister Vijay Sharma. He had directed officials to reassess the contemporary relevance of the Guard of Honour tradition in today's policing and governance landscape. Following this review, the Home Department amended the rules to free police personnel from what it termed "unnecessary formalities". The aim is to ensure their optimal utilisation in core duties like maintaining law and order and public safety.
As per the revised guidelines, no Guard of Honour will now be provided to the Home Minister, other members of the council of ministers, the Director General of Police (DGP), or other senior police officers during their routine arrivals, departures, inspections, or district-level visits within Chhattisgarh. The order explicitly ends this long-standing practice for such tours.
Exceptions for National and State Ceremonies
However, the government has provided clear clarifications regarding exceptions. The new decision will not apply to national and state-level ceremonial occasions. Formal Guard of Honour arrangements will continue as per protocol on the following days:
- Republic Day (January 26)
- Independence Day (August 15)
- Police Martyrs’ Memorial Day (October 21)
- National Unity Day (October 31)
- Official state functions
- Police passing-out parades
The order further states that, in accordance with established protocol, Guard of Honour arrangements for constitutional authorities and distinguished guests will remain unchanged. This balanced approach ensures that while colonial-era routine formalities are scrapped, due respect is maintained at important ceremonial events.
This move is seen as a pragmatic step towards modernising police operations and redirecting manpower towards essential security tasks, reflecting a shift in administrative priorities towards efficiency and public service.
