TN Limits ‘Guard of Honour’ for VIPs at State Events

Swift summary

• Tamil Nadu government has restricted the ‘guard of honor’ provision for VIPs at State government functions.
• Only seven dignitaries are entitled to the honour: President, Vice-President, Prime Minister, Chief Justice of Supreme Court, Tamil Nadu Governor, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, and Union Home Minister.
• Decision aligns with instructions from offices such as the President’s Secretariat and PMO; “remarkable occasions” may warrant exceptions.
• Government Order issued this week aims to reduce “unneeded deployment of personnel” while ensuring protocol and security adherence.
• Protocols regarding composition and strength follow guidelines set in Police Drill Manual (2012) from Bureau of Police Research & Development under MHA.
• Examples: Presidential visits require 150 personnel for guard duties; CM or Union Home Minister visits involve 50 personnel each.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The Tamil Nadu government’s move to limit guard-of-honour provisions reflects efforts toward efficient use of resources without compromising official protocols or security measures. By narrowing eligibility to select high-ranking officials-such as national office bearers and state leadership-the administration ensures adherence to established norms while avoiding overextension during ceremonial functions. The alignment with blue book guidelines reinforces uniformity across states, perhaps setting an operational benchmark.

This decision may also simplify logistical planning for district administration and law enforcement agencies tasked with hosting official visits. However, adaptability built into the policy for “exceptional occasions” provides space for adaptation when necessary without altering existing systems fundamentally.

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