‘Honourable’ Governor deletes ‘His Excellency’
Karnataka Governor Vajubhai R Vala has written to the state government stating that the word “Honourable” should be used instead of “His Excellency” in any correspondence or forum to address him.
While the Governor has not attributed any specific reason for getting rid of the epithet, a common practice since colonial era, sources in Vidhana Soudha described it as the 'first step' being taken by those in gubernatorial positions towards an egalitarian set-up.
Sources in the state secretariat confirmed the development and told Bangalore Mirror: "We have received a letter from Raj Bhavan on December 22 requesting the government to stop addressing the Governor as `His Excellency' in the official documents and invitations. An official notification to this effect will be issued shortly." Coming at a time when a majority of those occupying top government positions continue demanding glorification of their designations despite the new protocol rules by President Pranab Mukherjee having kicked in, the governor’s move has stunned those in the corridors of power. An official said: "Though the new protocol rules were mooted in 2012, no Governor had agreed to adopt it till Kerala governor Sathasivam decided to avoid `His Excellency'. Now,Karnataka governor has taken it a step forward."
CHANGED RULES
After reviewing the protocol practice, President Pranab Mukherjee had formally approved the following changes for implementation with immediate effect:
* Use of the words ‘His Excellency’ will be discontinued while organising functions within the country and during interaction between Indian dignitaries and the President.
* In Hindi, Rashtrapati Mahoday should be used in place of Mahamahim during such occasions.
* The word “Honourable” will be used before the title of ‘President’ or ‘Governor’. The traditional Indian greeting of “Shri” or “Smt.” should precede the name.
* “Excellency” will be used only for interaction of leaders with foreign dignitaries as is customary international practice.
* It has also been decided that the word Rashtrapatiji will replace Mahamahim in official notings in the President’s Secretariat.
While the Governor has not attributed any specific reason for getting rid of the epithet, a common practice since colonial era, sources in Vidhana Soudha described it as the 'first step' being taken by those in gubernatorial positions towards an egalitarian set-up.
Sources in the state secretariat confirmed the development and told Bangalore Mirror: "We have received a letter from Raj Bhavan on December 22 requesting the government to stop addressing the Governor as `His Excellency' in the official documents and invitations. An official notification to this effect will be issued shortly." Coming at a time when a majority of those occupying top government positions continue demanding glorification of their designations despite the new protocol rules by President Pranab Mukherjee having kicked in, the governor’s move has stunned those in the corridors of power. An official said: "Though the new protocol rules were mooted in 2012, no Governor had agreed to adopt it till Kerala governor Sathasivam decided to avoid `His Excellency'. Now,
The use of the epithet `His Excellency 'has been in use for several decades; so far a total of 18 governors of the state had been addressed that way. In fact, `His Excellency' has been used to only with regard to those in three constitutional positions: president, governor and judges of SC and High Courts.
CHANGED RULES
After reviewing the protocol practice, President Pranab Mukherjee had formally approved the following changes for implementation with immediate effect:
* Use of the words ‘His Excellency’ will be discontinued while organising functions within the country and during interaction between Indian dignitaries and the President.
* In Hindi, Rashtrapati Mahoday should be used in place of Mahamahim during such occasions.
* The word “Honourable” will be used before the title of ‘President’ or ‘Governor’. The traditional Indian greeting of “Shri” or “Smt.” should precede the name.
* “Excellency” will be used only for interaction of leaders with foreign dignitaries as is customary international practice.
* It has also been decided that the word Rashtrapatiji will replace Mahamahim in official notings in the President’s Secretariat.
