By IANS,
New Delhi : Concerned by the inconvenience caused to the public when his convoy moves in the city, President Pranab Mukherjee has made it clear that all functions involving him should be organised at Rashtrapati Bhavan “to the best possible extent”.
President Mukherjee has also asked that the usage of “His Excellency” in addressing the president should be discontinued during functions within the country, except during interaction between foreign dignitaries and the president.
“Taking into account inconvenience caused to public during his movement within the city and in order 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,” a statement issued here said.
The usage of “His Excellency” will be only for interaction with foreign dignitaries as is customary international practice, the statement added.
He also made it clear that in Hindi the president should be addressed as “Rashtrapati Mahodaya” instead of “Mahamahim” during events.
Also, the word “Honourable” will be used before the title of ‘President’ or ‘Governor’.
The traditional Indian greetings of “Shri” or “Shrimati” should precede the name, the statement said.
These decisions have been conveyed to the home ministry for further action, the statement added.