President Pranab Mukherjee has approved changes in words exchanged during interaction between Indian dignitaries and the President in official functions. The move follows a review of the current protocol practice for implementation with immediate effect. The use of the word ‘His Excellency’ will be discontinued while organizing functions within the country. Excellency” will be used only for interaction of Indian leaders with foreign dignitaries and the vice versa as is customary international practice. 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. Similarly in Hindi, Rashtrapati Mohodaya should be used in place of Mahamahim during such occasions.
An official release says, it has also been decided hat the word Rashtrapati Ji will replace Mahamahim in official nothings in the President’s Secretariat. As per past practice, above decisions have been conveyed to the Ministry of Home Affairs for further action.
Taking into account inconvenience caused to public during
his movement within the city and to reduce the burden on police and other agencies, the President has instructed that, to the best extent possible, all functions be organized within Rashtrapati Bhavan premises itself.