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In schools, colleges, and offices, everyone must adhere to certain rules and codes of conduct, even for seemingly small matters such as the use of pencils, pens, and other stationery. For instance, in schools, teachers use red ink pens while students are generally required to use blue or black pens. Interestingly, there is a specific regulation concerning the use of green ink in government offices, particularly by gazetted officers. This topic was raised on Quora by a user named Kshitij Raj, who questioned, “Why do government officials use green ink on their official documents?” Many users provided varying reasons. According to Kshitij Raj, only government officials are permitted to use green ink, while other employees are prohibited from using it. The primary reason behind this is that green ink makes it difficult to forge signatures. Although it is still possible to attempt forgery with green ink, it ensures that the signature appears more authentic and legible. The use of green ink allows officials to distinguish themselves from their colleagues or other employees, serving as a kind of “representative mark.” Madhukar Pare, a former employee of the State Bank of India (SBI), confirmed this practice. He stated that this protocol is strictly to maintain an official’s status and protocol. Madhukar explained that even assistant general managers and inspectors at the State Bank of India use green ink pens, while employees at other levels follow a pre-established ink policy. This policy is particularly relevant in the banking environment, as it allows officials to clearly demonstrate their identity and authority. The primary purpose behind the use of green ink in government offices is to highlight three key aspects: the official’s status, authenticity, and the security of their signature. This rule helps build trust among the public and makes the official stand out from the rest. Therefore, the next time a government official is seen using a green ink pen, it should be understood that it is not merely a style statement but a symbol of security and authority.
