New Delhi: After a controversy broke out over the new uniform for Rajya Sabha marshals, Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu, who is the chairman of the Upper House, has said the issue will be revisited by the House secretariat.
“…we’ve received some observation by some political as well as well-meaning people. I have decided to ask the Secretariat to revisit the same,” Naidu said Tuesday.
The Vice President’s review order came on the second day of the ongoing 250th Rajya Sabha session.
On Monday, Rajya Sabha members were taken aback after the marshals’ traditional ‘bandh-gala’ uniform was changed to one that resembles military dress codes. The new uniform has a navy-blue jacket with a cap replacing the traditional turban. The summer uniform is supposed to be all white, resembling the uniform of Naval forces.
The new uniform immediately drew criticism from many politicians and Indian Army officers, with some of them saying it was “illegal” and a security risk.
Also read: Rajya Sabha marshals get new uniform as 250th session begins
‘Are you imposing martial law?’
With the change in Rajya Sabha marshals’ uniform seen on the first day of the Winter Session, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh asked the chairman, “Are you imposing Martial Law?”
To this, Venkaiah Naidu replied that such insignificant questions should not be raised during the session.
Later in the day, former Army chief Ved Prakash Malik expressed his concerns over the uniform. In a tweet, he said, “Copying and wearing of military uniforms by non military personnel is illegal and a security hazard. I hope @VPSecretariat, @RajyaSabha & @rajnathsingh ji will take early action.”
Copying and wearing of military uniforms by non military personnel is illegal and a security hazard. I hope @VPSecretariat, @RajyaSabha & @rajnathsingh ji will take early action. https://t.co/pBAA26vgcS
— Ved Malik (@Vedmalik1) November 18, 2019
Lt Gen Vinod Bhatia (retd) also asked on Twitter: “Why do organisations private and government & now the respected Rajya Sabha want similarity in attire with armed forces uniforms without any consideration 4 d dignity of soldiers. Is it because the public holds them in the highest esteem? Legal provisions needed to respect uniform (sic).”
Why do organisations private and government & now the respected Rajya Sabha want similarity in attire with armed forces uniforms without any consideration 4 d dignity of soldiers. Is it because the public holds them in highest esteem? Legal provisions needed to respect uniform
— Lt Gen Vinod Bhatia (@Ptr6Vb) November 18, 2019
Another officer, Col Tekpal Singh, asked, “Isn’t imitation and use of items of military uniform prohibited by law? (sic)”
Isn’t imitation and use of items of military uniform prohibited by law ???
— Col Tekpal Singh (@ColTekpal) November 18, 2019
Sources told ThePrint that the uniform for Rajya Sabha marshals was last changed in the 1950s.
Why first visit, and then revisit. Who is responsible for wastage of public exchequer. What was wrong with existing dress of marshals.
I don’t know what to say of the marshals’ new uniform. It just amazes me how the BJP’s mind works. What do they think this change will achieve – – intimidate the members who have a tendency to rush to the well? Does it radiate more power on the man who’s sitting between the marshals wearing a lungi? You know, village bandmasters have this kind of army uniform!