Ensure priority, protocol to MLAs: J&K govt issues directive for officials

The Jammu and Kashmir government on Friday instructed all departments and officers to attend elected Members of the Legislative Assembly on priority in public offices and that proper protocol as per established government norms and guidelines is maintained.

The directive also emphasized that MLAs should be invited to all official functions and meetings organised within their jurisdiction.

In an order issued by General Administration Department, the government has said the elected members of the Legislative Assembly of Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir are expected to play a crucial role in process of governance at the grass-root level and “it therefore becomes imperative that all government departments, officers and officials extend due cooperation and accord priority to issues highlighted/flagged by these public representatives.”

“It is accordingly enjoined upon all officers/officials working in various government departments that elected representatives shall be attended on priority in public offices and proper protocol, as per established government norms and guidelines, shall be adhered to in all such interactions,” stated a circular issued by General Administration Department (GAD) secretary M Raju on Friday.

Stating that communications, requests and grievances raised by elected representatives shall be acknowledged and processed on priority and government officers/officials shall deal with elected representatives in a professional and respectful manner, the general administration department has also said that it shall also be ensured that the elected representatives are invited to all official functions and meetings organised in their jurisdiction as also in the event of official visit of any dignitary in their jurisdiction.

“These instructions are brought to the notice of all concerned for immediate and strict compliance,” the order said.

After their election to the UT Assembly last year, many MLAs had been complaining of not receiving the desired cooperation from the officers in the administration. Some of the MLAs had also brought the matter to the notice of the Chief Minister.

A National Conference leader said given the dual power structure in the Union Territory, these situations are bound to happen and that is the reason why party has been repeatedly demanding restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir.