'Marshal Law Imposed?' MPs Quip About Rajya Sabha Marshals' New Military-Style Uniform

Rajya Sabha Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu today ordered review of the new military-style uniform of marshals in the House. Naidu mentioned in the House that the Secretariat of Rajya Sabha had come out with a new dress code for marshals.

New Delhi: A fresh controversy erupted on the first day of Parliament’s winter session after Rajya Sabha marshals were seen in new military-style uniform. Discarding the traditional Indian attire comprising turbans, the marshals turned out in their new dress code of dark navy blue and olive green military-style outfits with caps. The marshals donning the new uniform together with aiguillette prompted several House members to quip whether “marshal law was being imposed”. Marshals earlier wore safari suits during summer and Indian bandgalas during the winter along with turbans. The new dress code was criticized by some former Army officers terming it illegal. The turbans were viewed by some as colonial legacy, leading to review of the uniform. Customarily, the presiding officer of the House is flanked by two marshals who march ahead of the chairman to announce the commencement of proceedings and also assist the chair in organising the desk and bringing up order papers, reported PTI.

Copying and wearing of military uniforms by non military personnel is illegal and a security hazard. I hope @VPSecretariat, @RajyaSabha & @rajnathsingh ji will take early action. https://t.co/pBAA26vgcS

— Vedmalik (@Vedmalik1) November 18, 2019

Venkaiah Naidu orders review of the new dress code Rajya Sabha Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu today ordered review of the new military-style uniform of marshals in the House. Naidu mentioned in the House that the Secretariat of Rajya Sabha had come out with a new dress code for marshals. However, there have been suggestions and comments by politicians and well-meaning individuals on the same, he said. "I have decided to ask the Secretariat to revisit the same," Naidu said.  ‘Very significant change’ Congress leader Jairam Ramesh on Monday tried to raise a point on the marshals' new uniform. "Sir, the marshals...," he began only to be interrupted by Naidu. Ramesh, however, insisted that there has been "a very significant change" in their attire. "Okay. You always make significant point at an insignificant time," Naidu had remarked on Monday. When the House reassembled at 2pm, Ramesh tried to raise the matter again but was disallowed. “That’s to be decided by the concerned… The concerned have decided…Don’t worry… It had been done earlier also,” Naidu said. Ramesh told The Telegraph the new uniform looks “like military takeover of the Rajya Sabha”. Government sources said the new uniform of the marshals, who assist the chairperson in running the House, was finalised after consultation with designers from the National Institute of Design.