JAMMU, Nov 5: After President Pranab Mukherjee revised the protocol and chose to be called Mr. President instead of ‘His Excellency’ except while visiting foreign nations, the governor of Jammu and Kashmir has formally asked for the changes to be made in the state.
An official spokesperson said that on the instructions of N. N. Vohra the Raj Bhavan Secretariat has informed the state government that in future correspondence he may be called ‘Honourable Governor’ and not ‘His Excellency, the governor of Jammu and Kashmir state’.
The word ‘Excellency’ would, however, be used during the Governor’s interactions with foreign dignitaries, the spokesperson said.
In October President Pranab Mukherjee formally approved the following changes in protocol for implementation with immediate effect:
- Use of the words ‘His Excellency’ will be discontinued while organizing functions within the country and during interaction between Indian dignitaries and the President.
- In Hindi, Rashtrapati Mahodaya should be used in place of “Mahamahim during such occasions.
- The word “Hon’ble” will be used before the title of ‘President’ or ‘Governor’. The traditional Indian greeting of “Shri” or “Smt.” should precede the name.
- “Excellency” will be used only for interaction of leaders with foreign dignitaries and foreign dignitaries with our leaders as is customary international practice.
