Odisha axe on guard of honour

The Naveen Patnaik government in Odisha on Wednesday abolished the practice of according guard of honour to the chief minister, ministers and senior government officials, barring some special occasions.

The special occasions are Republic Day, Independence Day and Utkal Diwas which is celebrated on April 1 to commemorate the formation of the state as a separate province.

However, the President, Vice-President, governor, Lokayukta, Chief Justice of both the Supreme Court and the high court and other judges of two courts will continue to be accorded the guard of honour.