Stand up, show respect to MPs, MLAs, UP tells officials

Shahira Naim

Tribune News Service

Lucknow, October 20

The Uttar Pradesh Government has issued a directive asking all officials to show respect to MPs and MLAs by standing up and welcoming them whenever they visit their office and the gesture has to be repeated when they leave. Failing to do so will invite disciplinary action.

UP Chief Secretary Rajive Kumar has shot off a letter to all officials listing a set of instructions as part of the Protocol of Public Representatives. For some time, elected representatives have repeatedly been complaining even on the floor of the House of officials not extending the courtesy.

As per the directive, when an MP or an MLA visits any officer, he/she will have to stand up and welcome him/her and do the same while seeing him/her off. 

In the directive, the Chief Secretary has observed that complaints have been received by the government that despite repeated circulation of such guidelines the general etiquette and protocol is not being properly followed with regard to MPs and MLAs.

The directive also points out that if the officer concerned is unable to work as per the suggestion of an MP or an MLA, he/she should politely tell him/her about the problem.

The officers have also been instructed to acknowledge and reply to all letters sent by the public representatives and promptly take their calls or call back. 

Recently, Om Prakash Rajbhar, a Cabinet minister and alliance partner from Suheldev Bharatiya Samaj Party, had threatened to resign over Ghazipur Distict Magistrate refusing to entertain his complaint.