President Approves New Protocol Practice

     New Delhi, October 09, 2012: The new President of India Pranab Mukherjee has preferred not to be called His Excellency.

     Following a review of the current protocol practice, the President has formally approved some changes for implementation with immediate effect, an official release said here.

     Use of the words “His Excellency” would be discontinued while organizing functions within the country and during interaction between Indian dignitaries and the President.

     In Hindi, “Rashtrapati Mahodaya” (राष्ट्रपति‍ महोदय) should be used in place of “Mahamahim” (महामहि‍म) during such occasions.

     The word “Hon’ble” would be used before the title of ‘President’ or ‘Governor’. The traditional Indian greeting of ‘Shri’ or ‘Smt.’ should precede the name.

     “Excellency” would be used only for interaction of leaders with foreign dignitaries and foreign dignitaries with Indian leaders as is customary international practice.

     It has also been decided that the word Rashtrapatijee (राष्ट्रपतिजी‍) would replace Mahamahim (महामहि‍म) in official notings in the President’s Secretariat.

     As per past practice, those decisions have been conveyed to the Ministry of Home Affairs for further action, the release added.

     Taking into account inconvenience caused to public during his movement within the city and in order to reduce the burden on police and other agencies, the President has also instructed that, to the best extent possible, all functions be organized within Rashtrapati Bhavan premises itself.