Mubarak Ansari

Yogesh Naik

Devendra Fadnavis

minister

guard

inspector

Deputy commissioner

Tushar Doshi

complimentary guard

Jayant Umranikar

Saga

chief minister

home minister

urging chief secretary

This ban will elicit kudos rather than public ire, as chiefDevendra Fadnavis has recently abolished a prevalent anachronism — the imperial legacy of the police giving theof honour to dignitaries travelling across the state — from public life. On the instructions of the chief minister, the former specialgeneral of police (law and order) Deven Bharati had issued a letter to police unit commanders in the state, informing them about the development. Said CM Fadnavis, “I did not like this practice since the beginning, and used to tell police officers not to do the salaami for me.Though this was followed in some places, it was not followed in others. Finally, I told the home department to issue an order banning this system.”Predictably, police officials have applauded this move, stating that it was anyway a waste of manpower, as the force had to ordinarily keep 10-15 men in uniform in reserve at the circuit or police headquarters, for the purpose.of police (Headquarters II)confirmed the same, “We have received a letter from DGP’s office informing about the abolishment of the earlier practice of offeringof honour to the CM, ministers and other high-ranking officials, when they are out on tour in the districts. Guards posted at their residence at the circuit house have been pulled back. According to protocol, there are between eight to 10 men in uniform posted for the ceremonial practice.”Retired IPS officer, who has authored a book, Police Reforms In India: A Sisyphean, welcomed the initiative. “It was an utter waste of manpower dedicated for a practice rooted in the British era. A dais had to be put up for a visiting guest and men in uniform would mark a salute,” said Umranikar. According to police officials, guards provided for the purpose are made to turn out in ceremonial regalia and present arms to theor any other minister or high ranking bureaucrats on a tour.When a CM visits districts, at least 100 police get busy in the guard of honour, sources in government said. Soon after taking over, Fadnavis, who is also the, had asked for a cut-down of VVIPs,Swadheen Kshatriya to do so after assessing threat perceptions to them.I did not like this practice since the beginning, and used to tell police officers not to do the salaami for me. Though this was followed in some places, it was not followed in others. Finally, I told the home department to issue an order banning this system