Old or New? Change in Rajya Sabha Marshals' uniform triggers big debate

As the Rajya Sabha commenced its landmark 250th session, the Members of the House were in for a surprise. The two marshals, standing next to the presiding officer of the House, who also assist in organising the desk and bringing up order papers were seen wearing a very different costume from previous years.This came under intense criticism from various opposition leaders including Jairam Ramesh and Digvijaya Singh.  

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The difference between the uniforms

The marshals were seen wearing a military-style uniforms. It was a navy blue-coloured uniform with a peak cap, military-like stripes and stars on the shoulders with a golden tassel attached on one side.This was a complete departure from the earlier costume. For many decades, the marshals wore safari suits during the summer sessions and white Bandgala attire with a turban during the winter sessions. It has been speculated that the old uniform was replaced as some perceived it to be a relic of India’s colonial past. Also, reports suggest that the marshals needed a new attire to accord them a distinct identity from the other members of the staff.  

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Rajya Sabha Chairman orders review

M Venkaiah Naidu, the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday ordered a review of the new uniform of the marshals in the Upper House. During the proceedings of the House, Naidu stated that the Rajya Sabha secretariat had come out with the new dress code for the marshals after taking various suggestions into account. However, he noted that the new attire had received adverse reactions from various sections of society.  

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