In a stern message to his officers and men, the new Navy chief Admiral Karambir Singh has asked them to stop fawning over him and do away with ostentation and get down to serious work.
Issuing these directives four days after taking over as the Chief, Singh also asked his men to cut out subservient behaviour and be professional. He took charge on May 31 after then chief Sunil Lanba retired.
Giving this clear message during interaction with officers and men, Singh also stressed upon the urgent need to ensure optimal utilization of manpower and resources for operational preparedness to meet any challenge.
Ordering that formalities should be done away with, the Chief’s directive for austerity include scrapping the practice of providing multiple or standby cars on formal occasions for senior officers.
He also ordered that repeated references to senior officers by their "full title" in speeches and citation of official decorations outside of formal correspondence and occasions should stop henceforth.
In an obvious step to ensure equality in the ranks, the new Chief’s guidelines prescribed that food, drinks and cutlery of the same "standard" be provided to all ranks of Navy personnel attending a particular function. They also mandated that the refreshments or meals provided be simple and "devoid of ostentation", and curtailed the presentation of bouquets to officers or their spouses during visits.
The guidelines issued by Singh also asked that the traditional practice of lining up women and children to receive or see off dignitaries, and ordered that there should be "minimal disruption" to day-to-day activities on such occasions. "Ladies should also remain seated except when the President of India or Governor enters the auditorium/venue," the order said.