TFP Bureau, Raipur, December 24, 2025: In a landmark administrative reform, the Chhattisgarh government has abolished the colonial-era practice of presenting a guard of honour to ministers and senior police officers during routine visits, inspections and tours. The Home Department has issued an order amending the existing rules, with immediate effect.
The decision follows a special initiative by Deputy Chief Minister and Home Minister Vijay Sharma, who directed a review of the long-standing practice with the aim of eliminating colonial symbolism and ensuring optimal utilisation of police resources. The revised order seeks to redirect police personnel from ceremonial duties towards strengthening law and order and public service delivery.
Officials said the Home Minister had personally instructed the department to examine the relevance of the guard of honour system in present-day governance. Acting on these directions, the Home Department amended the rules to remove what it described as unnecessary formalities that diverted manpower from core policing responsibilities.
Under the new order, no salute guard or guard of honour will be accorded to the Home Minister, other ministers, the Director General of Police or senior police officers during routine arrivals, departures, district visits, inspections or official tours within the state. The practice, which was commonly followed during district-level engagements, has been completely discontinued.
However, the government has clarified that the decision will not affect ceremonial arrangements for national and state-level events. Guard of honour protocols will continue to be observed on occasions such as Republic Day on January 26, Independence Day on August 15, Police Martyrs’ Day on October 21, National Unity Day on October 31, state ceremonies and police passing-out parades.
The order further states that existing protocol provisions for constitutional office holders and other distinguished guests will remain unchanged.
Officials described the move as a significant step towards modern, people-centric administration and institutional reform. By ending the routine guard of honour practice, the government aims to enhance the operational efficiency of the police force and reinforce its focus on public safety and law enforcement.
