Raipur, December 24, 2025: The colonial-era tradition of giving a guard of honour to ministers and senior police officers of Chhattisgarh state during their routine visits, inspections, and tours has been abolished.
The State Home Department has issued an order amending the rules regarding the guard of honour, which will come into effect immediately.
On the special initiative of Deputy Chief Minister and Home Minister Vijay Sharma, the Home Department reviewed the colonial-era tradition of the guard of honour and issued an order for its amendment.
The objective is to utilize the efficiency of the police force in improving law and order and to eliminate traditions associated with colonial thinking, official sources said.
It is noteworthy that Home Minister Sharma himself had instructed the department officials to review the current system of guard of honour and make necessary changes as per the current situation. In compliance with this, the Home Department has made this amendment to free the police force from unnecessary formalities and utilize their efficiency for fulfilling their primary duties.
According to the issued order, during routine visits, arrivals, departures, and inspections within the state, the Home Minister, all ministers, the Director General of Police, and other senior police officers will no longer be given a salute guard (guard of honour).
The previously prevalent salute system during district visits, tours, or inspections has been completely abolished. This will allow for the effective use of the police force’s time and energy in security, law and order, and public service.
Existing Arrangements to Continue for National and State Events
This restriction will not apply to national and state ceremonies. The formal guard of honour system will remain unchanged on occasions such as Republic Day (January 26), Independence Day (August 15), Police Martyrs’ Day (October 21), National Unity Day (October 31), state ceremonies, and police passing out parades.
The order also clarifies that the provision of guard of honour for dignitaries and special guests holding constitutional positions will continue as before, in accordance with the protocol.
This decision is a significant step towards the government’s commitment to administrative reforms and a modern, people-oriented system, which will lead to a positive improvement in the efficiency of the police force.
