In shift from colonial past, CG abolishes Guard of Honour for ministers

Raipur: In a hugely significant move, arguably a first for any Indian state, Chhattisgarh govt on Wednesday abolished the tradition of extending a Guard of Honour to ministers and senior police officers during routine visits, inspections and district tours.However, the government clarified that the decision will not apply to national and state-level ceremonial occasions. Formal Guard of Honour arrangements will continue on Republic Day (January 26), Independence Day (August 15), Police Martyrs' Memorial Day (October 21), National Unity Day (October 31), state functions and 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.The decision, formalised through an order issued by the state Home department on December 19, 2025, came into force with immediate effect. The order states that the existing system of ceremonial salutes was reviewed and amended to enhance the functional deployment of police personnel and move away from practices rooted in the colonial administrative framework.The reform was initiated at the behest of deputy chief minister Vijay Sharma, who also handles the Home portfolio. He directed officials to reassess the relevance of the Guard of Honour in present-day policing and governance. Following the review, the Home department amended the rules to free police personnel from what it termed ‘unnecessary formalities' and ensure their optimal use in maintaining law and order and public safety.As per the revised guidelines, no Guard of Honour will now be extended to the home minister, other members of the council of ministers, the DGP or other senior police officers during routine arrivals, departures, inspections or district-level visits within the state. The order explicitly ends the long-standing practice of ceremonial salutes during such tours.However, the government clarified that the decision will not apply to national and state-level ceremonial occasions. Formal Guard of Honour arrangements will continue on Republic Day (January 26), Independence Day (August 15), Police Martyrs' Memorial Day (October 21), National Unity Day (October 31), state functions and 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.

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