‘All Because of the Boss’: CISF Personnel Forced to Perform Guard of Honour Against Regulations
CISF headquarters had circulated the BPR&D manual emphasizing strict compliance with rules, yet Guards of Honour continue to be performed for individuals not entitled to them.
A recent dispute has surfaced within the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) over adherence to the Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPR&D) guidelines concerning the presentation of Guards of Honour.
As reported by News18 Hindi, in July, the Union Home Secretary attended a CRPF event as the chief guest but was not accorded a Guard of Honour, in accordance with BPR&D regulations, which do not authorize this for his rank.
In contrast, a similar situation arose in the CISF when a plant’s General Manager (GM) was due to attend an event. Despite the plant authorities requesting a Guard of Honour, the unit commander initially refused, citing BPR&D rules.
News18 Hindi reports that some plant officers approached the concerned Deputy Inspector General (DIG). When the DIG contacted the unit commander, he again referred to the BPR&D rules. The DIG concurred and indicated that a Guard of Honour could not be extended to the GM.
Subsequently, the officers approached the Inspector General (IG). When the IG called the unit commander with a recommendation, he once more cited BPR&D regulations. However, unlike the DIG, the IG overruled and insisted on the Guard of Honour.
‘Rules Must Be Set Aside’
The News18 Hindi report noted that the IG instructed the unit commander to disregard the BPR&D rules and follow his directive. Consequently, the unit commander was obliged to present a Guard of Honour to the GM.
This practice reportedly occurs not only during the GM’s arrivals and departures but also during Republic Day and other events at the plant. CISF personnel are said to carry out the Guard of Honour reluctantly, following the orders of senior officers.
An anonymous CISF officer told News18 Hindi that the Guards of Honour are performed mainly to satisfy plant management and their minor requests. He noted that halting the practice could upset management and result in their demands being ignored. The officer added that CISF headquarters is aware of this issue and had issued an order in 2024 to stop it.
CISF Reiterates Strict Guard of Honour Rules
News18 Hindi reported that a CISF Training Branch order dated May 30, 2024, highlighted inconsistencies in Guard of Honour procedures observed during a visit by the Director General. Some units adhered to BPR&D guidelines, while others did not.
The CISF headquarters reportedly circulated the BPR&D manual to all units alongside the order, instructing that Guards of Honour be conducted strictly according to regulations. Despite this, reports suggest the directive has largely been ignored, with unauthorised individuals continuing to receive honours.
The most recent case reportedly occurred in April when a corporation chairman was presented with a Guard of Honour upon taking charge. CISF officials say giving Guards of Honour to individuals not entitled to them has become a serious concern, making it difficult for personnel to maintain protocol.
With Independence Day on August 15 approaching, most units are reportedly preparing for Guards of Honour, again forcing personnel to honour unauthorised individuals.
Who Is Entitled to a Guard of Honour?
BPR&D rules specify that Guards of Honour may be presented to the President, Vice-President, Prime Minister, Union Home Minister, Union Minister of State for Home, Governors, Chief Ministers, state Home Ministers, Director General of Police, Additional Director General of Police, Inspector General, and Deputy Inspector General.
The rules also allow Guards of Honour to be given to foreign dignitaries, including Heads of State, Vice Heads of State, Heads of Diplomatic Missions, and Heads of Foreign Police Forces.
