Rewriting Protocols: Balancing tradition with practical governance

Raju Korti
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis recently issued an order to end the practice of giving a guard of honour and presenting bouquets during his district visits. This directive, communicated through a one-page order by the Chief Minister’s Secretariat, instructed District Collectors, Police Commissioners, and Superintendents to refrain from such ceremonial gestures. While many have lauded the move as a step towards dismantling India’s entrenched VIP culture, others see it as a calculated attempt to gain public goodwill. Regardless of the motivations behind the decision, this development invites a broader discussion on the role and relevance of governmental protocols in modern governance.

Protocols, in their essence, are a set of rules governing formal occasions and accepted behaviours, especially in matters of state and diplomacy. Their ostensible purpose is to ensure order and decorum, facilitate the smooth functioning of official engagements, and provide a framework for extending courtesies to dignitaries. In India, the General Administration Department’s Protocol Branch manages arrangements for VVIPs/VIPs during both official and non-official visits. Such arrangements often include state guest privileges, logistical support, and security measures.

While protocols serve a practical purpose -- ensuring the safety and efficiency of VIP movements -- they also symbolize respect and recognition for the positions held by these individuals. However, the excessive deference often displayed towards political figures and other dignitaries has, over the years, fostered resentment among the general populace.

India’s VIP culture, marked by privileges such as exclusive lanes, elaborate motorcades, and preferential treatment, has long been a source of public frustration. The frequent disruption of daily life due to traffic snarls caused by VIP movements and the inaccessibility of public spaces during high-profile visits have led to widespread dissatisfaction. This phenomenon is further compounded by the sheer number of individuals who qualify as VIPs in the Indian context, making the administration of such privileges a cumbersome exercise.

The issue is not merely logistical but also symbolic. For many, the ostentation associated with VIP culture underscores the socio-economic disparities and power imbalances prevalent in the country. It perpetuates the belief that laws and regulations apply disproportionately to the middle and lower classes, while the affluent and influential exploit their connections to bypass accountability.

While VIP culture cannot be entirely eliminated -- as protocols are essential for the security and efficiency of high-profile individuals -- there is a pressing need to delineate finite boundaries to curb its misuse. The privileges granted to VIPs should be codified and strictly enforced to prevent excesses. Measures such as reducing the size of motorcades, minimizing the number of accompanying personnel, and ensuring that public inconvenience is kept to a minimum can help strike a balance.

Furthermore, initiatives like Chief Minister Fadnavis’s decision to forgo ceremonial gestures should be encouraged for their potential to bring about a cultural shift. By eschewing ostentation, public figures can set an example of humility and accountability, thereby fostering greater trust and respect among citizens.

The debate over VIP culture also reflects deeper issues within Indian society, such as the deference often exhibited by government officials towards their political superiors. This subservience, driven by vested interests or fear of repercussions, undermines the principles of meritocracy and accountability. Reforming protocol practices should, therefore, be part of a larger effort to promote ethical governance and equitable treatment for all.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis’s move to end the practice of guards of honour and bouquet presentations is a commendable step in addressing the excesses of VIP culture. While critics may dismiss it as a publicity stunt, its potential to inspire a shift in public attitudes and governmental practices cannot be overlooked. Ultimately, the focus should be on balancing the legitimate needs of VIPs with the rights and convenience of ordinary citizens. By fostering a culture of humility and efficiency, India can take a significant step towards bridging the gap between its leaders and the people they serve. But does the political class have the will to do this?