Navy chief Admiral Karambir Singh (ANI photo)

NEW DELHI: Navy chief Admiral Karambir Singh has directed his force to curb ostentatious, fawning and supercilious behaviour, while asking senior officers to ensure juniors are "encouraged to be disciplined and respectful but not subservient" in their conduct in the force.

Issuing a signal for measures to be brought into force "pan-Navy" on Tuesday evening, Admiral Singh said, "As a modern fighting force, it's important to imbibe contemporary social and ceremonial practices towards optimal utilisation of manpower and resources".

Admiral Singh, who took over as the Navy chief from Admiral Sunil Lanba on May 31, said the practice of "multiple/standby cars" being deployed for the visit of the Navy chief to any station should be "done away with immediate effect".

He also directed that the practice of senior officers using "the third person" while addressing others should be discouraged.

He said the practice of using "full titles" for senior officers, or the citing of their "decorations", should be restricted to only formal occasions. "Refreshments/meals should be simple and devoid of ostentation. Same standard of drinks/eats/cutlery/crockery should be there for all ranks attending the same function," said Admiral Singh, who took over as the 24th Navy chief last week.

Stressing that women and children should not be lined up to receive dignitaries, Admiral Singh also said that bouquets should not be presented to senior officers or their spouses during visits. "Ladies should remain seated except when the President of India or the governor enters an auditorium or an event," he said, adding that there was no need for "clapping/cheering/applause" or "fawning gestures" during such occasions.

