After Criticism, Rajya Sabha to Revisit Marshals’ Uniform Change

He said, “Copying and wearing of military uniforms by non military personnel is illegal and a security hazard.”

Rajya Sabha marshals wore military style uniforms.

(Photo: Altered by The Quint)

Rajya Sabha speaker M Venkaiah Naidu, on Tuesday, 19 November, responded to the criticism over the changed uniform of the marshals next to the speaker. He said the uniforms were changed after various suggestions on a new dress code poured in. He has, however, taken note of the criticism over the change, saying that he will ask the secretariat to revisit the change.

“We've received some observations by some political as well as well-meaning people. I've decided to ask Secretariat to revisit the same,” he said.

Earlier, former army chief Ved Prakash Malik said the new uniform is a security hazard.

He implored Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Vice President Venkaiah Naidu to “take early action”.

In a tweet Malik said, “Copying and wearing of military uniforms by non military personnel is illegal and a security hazard.”

The presiding officer of the House is customarily flanked by two marshals who march ahead of the chairman to announce the commencement of proceedings and also assist the chair in organising the desk and bringing up order papers, reports PTI.

The Rajya Sabha opened its landmark 250th session on Monday, 18 November, with its marshals outfitted in military-style uniforms and caps marched in, much to the surprise of the members.

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh sought to raise a point on the marshals’ new uniform during the session but was promptly dismissed by Chairman Naidu.

Lt Gen Vinod Bhatia, director of the military think tank Center for Joint Warfare Studies, also took to Twitter to express his disapproval. He said that the uniforms were copied “without consideration for the dignity of soldiers.”

The new uniform is olive green but different from the ones worn by military personnel. However, it sported an aiguillette, an ornamental braided cord with decorative metal tips.

The marshals earlier wore safari suits during the summer months and Indian bandhgalas during the winter along with turbans, according to PTI.

(With inputs from PTI.)