Rajya Sabha Marshals' New Uniform Stokes Row; Former Indian Army Chief Gen VP Malik Terms it 'Illegal & Security Hazard', Other Former Personnel Back Him
Marshals were seen wearing a navy blue-coloured uniform with a peak cap instead of the traditional attire of Bandhgala and with a safa on the head. Several retired Army personnel including former Indian Army chief who led the Kargil War, General Ved Prakash Malik raised objection to the new uniform which had military-like stripes and insignia on shoulders.
New Delhi, November 19: To mark the historic 250th session of Rajya Sabha, the uniforms of Marshals who stand next to the Chair in the Upper House have been changed. On Monday, the marshals were seen wearing a navy blue-coloured uniform with a peak cap instead of the traditional attire of Bandhgala and with a safa (turban) on the head. Several retired Army personnel including former Indian Army chief who led the Kargil War, General Ved Prakash Malik, raised an objection to the new uniform, which had military-like stripes and insignia on shoulders.
General Malik termed the move to replace tradition attire of marshals with army-like uniform as “illegal and a security hazard”. The former Army Chief requested the government to take early action. He tweeted, “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.” He tagged vice-president Venkaiah Naidu and Rajnath Singh in his tweet. Another retired Indian Army chief Gen V K Singh, also criticised the move. Winter Session of Parliament Day 2: Government to Table Jallianwala Bagh National Memorial (Amendment) Bill & Surrogacy Bill in Rajya Sabha.
Gen Mailk's Tweet:
Here are some of the Tweets by other retired Army personnel:
Lt Gen (R) HS Panag:
Lt Gen (R) Vinod Bhatia:
Col (R) Rohit Dev:
Col (R) Sanjay Pande's Tweet:
On Monday, Marshals of the Rajya Sabha wore dark blue uniforms with gold buttons and gold aiguillette - ornamental braided cord worn on uniforms of defence personnel. The peak caps also resembles closely that worn by Army officers of the rank of Colonel and above. In the 250th session of the Rajya Sabha, there will be 20 sittings, and the session will conclude on December 13.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Nov 19, 2019 11:22 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).