Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Wednesday ordered the immediate abolition of the Guard of Honour/House Guard system in Odisha.
A release by the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) said that henceforth, the system will be not applicable to the Chief Minister, ministers and senior government officials.
On the other hand, the Guard of Honour will be given to the invited chief guests on the occasion of Republic Day, Independence Day and Utkal Diwas. It will remain in vogue in case of the President, Vice-President, Prime Minister, Governor, Lokayukta, and Chief Justices and judges of the Supreme Court and High Court.
Besides, the CMO release has directed the authorities and individuals concerned to address veteran freedom fighters as well as persons holding top constitutional posts as ‘Manyabar’.
Notably, the CM had set a precedent by removing the red beacon from his government vehicle.