Breach of Protocol of Former Prez Dr. A P J Abdul Kalam by Continental Airlines.

Recently, much uproar was caused over the alleged breach of protocol to Dr. A P J Abdul Kalam.
The Government of India has given list of priority in matters of Protocol.
Manier times the common man gets puzzled over the Protocol list.
Actually the Protocol list is for level of treatment for various dignitaries at public places and occasions. For instance the Protocol determines the seating arrangement on DIAS, travelling procedures etc!!!

The list at the centre level is topped by the Hon’ble President followed by the Prime Minister, Cabinet Minister, Speaker of Lok Sabha, and Chief Justice of Supreme Court of India. There is concurrent list at state level as well headed by the Governor of the state, Chief Minister, Chief Justice of High court. The governor of the state when travelling in Delhi is given priority only after Speaker of Lok Sabha.Even the Ex Presidents are included in the Protocol....

Our Ex President was frisked at the Delhi airport by Continental airline staff therby breaking the protocol. It is big insult to the country as honourable citizen like Dr. A P J Abdul Kalam was met with such treatment. If the plight of such respected citizens is so bad then it’s beyond my imagination as to how a common Indian would be treated in USA??? The Continental airline has refused to tender any apology over the entire episode. The airline must be penalised for the lax attitude.A strict warning must be given to all the airlines operating from the Indian soil.
Along with the fault of airlines, I want to condemn the Protocol Department, Ministry of External affairs (MEA), and Ministry of Home affairs (MHA). Let me remind them about the procedures formulated by their respective departments in matters of VIP and Govt officials travel. The MEA and MHA are liable to take prior note of such travel and inform the concerned departments in the country and abroad. This incident has just exposed the shortcomings and laxity on the part of MEA & MHA.

The media is silent on the lapses of MHA which is liable to be informed under the various procedures in reference to VIP travel. Please point finger at MHA too....

The Minister of External affairs, Minister of home affairs must also give statement in the Parliament and give explanation for the lapses. The issue should not be taken lightly as it is matter of PROPRIETY. The protocol department should be taken to task for utter failure in discharge of its duties. As such the protocol dept has hardly any job to do.
The matter must be taken up at the highest level by the Govt of India as such instances have been repeated several times.

I wish that this could have been highlighted a day earlier in the presence of US Secretary of State Ms.Hillary Clinton, the Govt of India could have lodged it’s protest effectively on the high headed behaviour of US airline.

Continental airlines must limit itself, when it’s on the Indian Soil.