Prime Minister Narendra Modi. File Photo
Welcome Prime Minister Narendra Modi with a flower and a khadi handkerchief or a book, but no bouquets. This is the latest directive to state governments and other institutions from the Ministry of Home Affairs.
It has said no bouquet should be presented to the prime minister during his domestic tours. “I am directed to state that it has been desired by the competent authority that no bouquet may be presented to the prime minister during his tours within India,” the MHA said in its communication to the states.
It said a flower along with a khadi handkerchief or a book may be presented to welcome Modi. “All states and union territories are requested to suitably sensitise all concerned to ensure strict compliance with the above instructions,” it said.
Modi had earlier said that people should gift books or a handkerchief rather than flower bouquets which land up in the dustbin after a few days. “We should gift khadi handkerchiefs as it will help poor artisans, and books so that people are inspired to get into the habit of reading,” he had said.
“Giving a book or a khadi product always helps. It is long-lasting,” Modi had tweeted after a ‘Mann ki Baat’ programme last month. In a speech in Kerala also, he referred to this theme, “ appeal to people to give a book instead of bouquet as a greeting. Such a move can make a big difference.”
Taking the cue, the midnight function to unveil Goods and Services Tax (GST) at Parliament’s Central Hall on June 30 saw Finance Minister Arun Jaitley welcoming guests, including President Pranab Mukherjee and Modi, with a rose.