After Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeal that instead of bouquets, people should gift books as greetings, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has asked State Governments and Union Territories (UTs) not to present bouquets to the PM.
“It is desired by the competent authority that no bouquet may be presented to the PM during his tours within India. At best, one flower along with a khadi handkerchief or a book may be presented to welcome the dignitary. All States and UTs are requested to suitably sensitise all concerned to ensure strict compliance of the instructions,” the MHA said in its order last week.
Sources in the MHA said despite PM’s appeal, Uttar Pradesh Governor Ram Naik and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath gave bouquets to the Prime Minister when he visited the State last month.
During his ‘Mann Ki Baat’ the Prime Minister had urged that everyone stop gifting bouquets to each other and instead gift books. He also highlighted the fact that even khadi objects can be great gifts as this would provide employment to a number of people.
Responding to suggestion by one Dr Anil Sonara from Ahmedabad, the Prime Minister said in his Mann ki Baat that “The life span of a bouquet is very short. You receive it in your hand for a moment and then abandon it. But when you present a book, it becomes a part of the household, a part of the family.”
Recently a senior BJP MP was flooded with bouquets when he hosted a function at his residence in Delhi. The MP then called NDMC officials to clear it.
Officials said as far as VVIPs are concerned, the flower bouquet had to pass through various securities check up. The move will also help security personnel to save time and energy.