New Navy chief: No quasi religious functions, no red-carpet welcome on ships

Ajay Banerjee
Tribune News Service
New Delhi, June 5

Making a change from the past, newly-appointed Navy Chief Admiral Karambir Singh Nijjer has issued a set of instructions that ban ‘quasi religious’ functions in the Navy, puts a lid of ostentatious events and bans red-carpet welcomes.

Besides, the order puts an end to opening of car doors for VVIPs. Most importantly, officers and sailors at all functions will be served same drinks and food by using same cutlery and crockery.

Within the forces, personnel attending official functions often are served different food and use separate varieties of cutlery – all depending upon their ranks.

The Admiral took over on Friday, May 31, and his first full working day was Monday, June 3. The instructions shall override all other existing instructions. These shall come into force immediately.

In the list of 26 instructions issued on Tuesday evening, the Navy Chief says, “Lighting of lamp/functions of quasi religious nature/fawning gestures, garlanding and showering flower petals, on guests, invitees, dignitaries to be avoided.” The order also called for doing away with the practice of lining up women and children to welcome and see off dignitaries at naval events.

As of now, wives of younger officers are often called upon to welcome the wife of a visiting senior officer, very often they line up for a welcome which is essentially not their job. Some of the wives of younger officers are full-time working professionals and don’t find time from their schedules.

Also, no flower bouquets will be presented to officers and their spouse on a visit. The Navy Chief also called for ending the practice of having flower pots and red carpets on-board ships, when dignitaries come visiting.

The Chief says in his order, “As a modern fighting force, it is important that the Navy imbibes contemporary social and ceremonial procedures towards optimal utilisation of manpower and resources.”

The Admiral starts with himself and has instructed that there be no ‘standby’ cars for the Chief and only sailors – and no officers—be detailed for ‘liaison duties’ on visits.

Seeking more openness, the new Chief has asked senior officials to ensure that their juniors are respectful but not subservient. Sources said this is probably aimed at ending the ‘yes sir’ culture bred by sycophancy.

Full titles of the officers need not be mentioned in speeches. Only the rank and the name is needed. “No ostentatious snacks and drinks at functions”, say the instructions and add that all ranks—officers and sailors – have to eat same food and from same crockery.