The Chief Minister and other Ministers and senior Government officers in the State would henceforth not be given guard of honour (GoH) and house guard, excepting on some special occasions like Republic Day, Independence Day and Utkal Diwas.
Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik issued a direction for abolition of the traditional practice giving GoH and house guard on Wednesday.
“Guard of honour will only be given to those invited as chief guest on the three special days of Independence Day, Republic Day and Utkal Diwas. However, there will be no change in the practice for President, Vice-President, Prime Minister, Governor, Lokayukta, Chief Justices and other judges of the Supreme Court and the High Courts,” said a communiqué issued from the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO). Earlier, the CM had set an example by removing the red beacon from his Government vehicle.