BSF Retracts Action Against Jawan Who Failed to Say ‘Shri’ PM Modi

The punishment was withdrawn after the Prime Minister wrote to the BSF, expressing his displeasure.

In a fresh development, the BSF has withdrawn the punishment doled out to a BSF jawan for reportedly forgetting to attach the prefix “Shri” or “honourable” while mentioning the Prime Minister's name during a routine parade on 21 February.

Disciplinary action had been initiated against Constable Sanjeev Kumar, with him being asked to forgo a week’s worth of pay, when he allegedly referred to the zero parade as the "Modi programme," missing out the “Shri” prefix while giving a report.

The BSF tweeted that the punishment was rescinded after the Prime Minister wrote to them expressing his displeasure over it.

Honourable PM had expressed his displeasure and directed @BSF_India to immediately withdraw the punishment.

— BSF (@BSF_India) March 7, 2018

According to The Hindu, the zero parade is when all the BSF personnel in a unit assemble at a common point to mark attendance. The force, which had initiated action, initially called the act "disrespectful" to the Prime Minister.

The BSF order, accessed by The Hindu, read: "On 21.2.2018, during zero parade, while giving report, you used words ‘Modi Programme’ which shows disrespect towards Hon'ble Prime Minister."

The order specified that Kumar would be required to pay seven days' salary as a fine.

According to a Times of India report, the action against Kumar was initiated by the commanding officer of the battalion, Commandant Anup lal Bhagat. The unit is posted at West Bengal's Nadia district.

Kumar was reportedly found guilty under Section 40 of the BSF Act, 1968 (act prejudicial to good order and discipline of the force), reported The Hindu.

Following the Prime Minister’s correspondence with the BSF on 7 March, the punishment was rescinded, the BSF said in a tweet.

(This story has been updated to reflect the BSF’s withdrawal of the punishment, and the Prime Minister’s correspondence to the BSF on the same.)

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