- The idea by the Defence Ministry for a rollover plan for states and UTs to display their tableaux at the Republic Day parade comes amid continuous issues and protests from several states.
- The strategy intends to ensure that every state and territory has a chance to participate over a three-year period, solving the issue of restricted slots (about 15) available each year.
Republic Day Tableaux Selection Process
- Tableaux may be sent by State Governments/UT Administrations/Central Ministries/Departments.
- Application Procedure: Interested firms must submit a concept note and design blueprints to the Ministry of Defence (MoD) before a deadline.
- Evaluation by an Expert Committee: The Ministry of Defence establishes a committee of art, culture, and related subject professionals to review the ideas in two stages:
- Stage 1: Initial evaluation of concepts and design sketches, with probable rejections or revisions suggested.
- Stage 2: Three-dimensional model evaluation, leading to final selection or further revisions.
Factor Selection Criteria
- Visual appeal, thematic relevancy, detailing, accompanying music, usage of local artists, and conformity to the year’s overarching theme were all taken into account.
- “Viksit Bharat” (Developed India) and “Bharat: Loktantra ki Matrika” (India: the Mother of Democracy) are the themes for 2024.
- Guidelines: The Ministry of Defence establishes standards for the use of young designers, electronic displays, robots, 3D printing, augmented/virtual reality, and environmentally friendly materials. Compliance with these criteria is encouraged.
Disagreements and Rejections
- Concerns of Opposition-Ruled States: States such as Karnataka, Punjab, and West Bengal have voiced discontent with the rejection of their tableaux.
- The Centre’s Position: The Centre has upheld its decision without elaborating on the basis for its rejection.
- Possible Rejection Reasons: Misalignment with the wider subject, as stated by MoD sources about the plans from Punjab and West Bengal.
- Political Allegations: A lawmaker argued that the Delhi government’s exclusion was unjustified, with the intention of highlighting the state’s governance paradigm.
@the end
- Navigating Difficulties: The revised rollover plan and selection process strive to strike a compromise between equal state representation and respect to thematic and aesthetic requirements.
- Addressing Dissatisfaction: While the proposal aims to reduce yearly complaints, it also raises concerns about openness and political factors in the selection process.
- Prospects for the Future: Maintaining the integrity and joyous atmosphere of the Republic Day parade requires an open, inclusive, and theme-compliant selection procedure.
Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/all-states-union-territories-may-get-to-showcase-tableau-once-in-three-years/article67727789.ece