Naidu orders review of marshals' uniforms

As criticism mounted over the military-like uniform of Rajya Sabha marshals, Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu on Tuesday ordered a review and said the Upper House's Secretariat will look into it.

Naidu said he has received objections about the new dress code from political leaders and some "well-meaning" people. "I have decided to ask the Rajya Sabha Secretariat to revisit the same and take it forward, " he said in Rajya Sabha as some MPs thumped the desk.

The traditional ethnic attire of the marshals – bandhgala and turban – was substituted by military-style uniform completed with Peaked Caps and Lanyards.

Rajya Sabha sources had said the marshals had suggested the break from tradition by moving away from "old turban clad dress" to one with a "modern look".

Subsequently, they said, senior officers of the Secretariat including the security officers held several rounds of discussions before designing the new dress. About a half a dozen marshals assist the Chair in conducting the proceedings of the House.

Soon after the images of the marshals were posted on social media, several military veterans came out in open against it. Former Army Chief V P Malik tweeted, "copying and the wearing of military uniforms by non-military personnel are illegal and a security hazard. I hope @VPSecretariat @RajyaSabha & @rajnathsingh will take early action."

On Monday, senior Congress MP Jairam Ramesh had sought to raise a point on the marshals' new uniform. "Sir, the marshals...," he said.

As Naidu interrupted him, Ramesh said there has been "a very significant change" in their attire. To this, Naidu said, "You always make a significant point at an insignificant time."

BJP MP Rajiv Chandrashekhar also tweeted, "I too am more than a little taken aback at this."