Following outrage from veterans and parliamentarians alike, the Rajya Sabha Chairman informed the House on Tuesday that the Secretariat would revisit the design of the uniform of the marshals.
On Monday, first day of the 250th session of the Rajya Sabha, the marshals came wearing new olive green uniform, complete with peak cap and lanyard. The marshals used to wear safari suits during summer and bandhgalas during winter, along with turban.
“I have a small observation to make that the Secretariat of the Rajya Sabha, after considering the various suggestions , has come out with a new dress code for the marshals. But we have received some observations by some political and well meaning people. So, I have decided to ask the Secretariat to revisit the same and then take a conclusive decision,” Mr. Naidu said.
The Rajya Sabha Secretariat claimed that the uniforms were designed in-house after demand from the marshals themselves for a more modern look. Many Rajya Sabha members objected to the change. Jairam Ramesh was the first to raise the issue in the House. Later many members pointed out the obvious similarity with the Army uniform which is a violation as per the rules.
“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,” former Army Chief Ved Malik tweeted on Monday. Quoting his tweet, BJP MP Rajeev Chandrasekhar said, “I too am more than a little taken aback at this. I will bring this to the attention of the Vice-President tomorrow.”
