New ‘Indian-Styled’ Uniforms for Parliament Staff as Special Session Approaches
Parliament staff will soon be sporting fresh uniforms as they prepare to transition to the new Parliament building for a special session scheduled from September 18 to 22. These uniforms will feature an ‘Indian’ touch, incorporating elements like ‘Nehru jackets’ and khaki-colored pants, marking a departure from their traditional attire.
The special session is set to commence on September 18, with a formal entry into the new Parliament building scheduled for September 19, coinciding with Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations, following a brief ‘pooja’ ceremony.
The design of these new uniforms is the work of the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT). Notable changes include replacing the bureaucrats’ bandhgala suits with magenta or deep pink Nehru jackets. Their shirts will also adopt a deep pink hue, adorned with lotus flower designs, and they will pair these with khaki-colored pants.
Even the attire of the marshals in both houses of Parliament is getting a makeover. They will now be seen wearing Manipuri turbans, adding a distinct regional touch to their appearance. Additionally, the security personnel stationed at the Parliament building will undergo a change in their dress code.
Instead of the traditional safari suits, they will be provided with camouflage outfits, resembling those worn by the military.
The upcoming “special session” of Parliament, taking place from September 18 to 22, will initially commence in the old Parliament building and later shift to the new facility. Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the new Parliament building on May 28 of this year.
The session will comprise five sittings, and specific details about the agenda and proceedings will be communicated separately to members by the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha secretariats, as confirmed by PTI.
The announcement of this “special session” on August 31 by Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi had kept the session’s agenda shrouded in secrecy, leading to much speculation. As Parliament gears up for this unique session in its new surroundings, the new uniforms for staff members reflect an attempt to infuse a sense of tradition and Indian identity into the proceedings.