UP govt issues protocol order asking officials to welcome MPs, MLAs by standing up

MPs and MLAs in Uttar Pradesh have long complained that bureaucrats do not accord them the protocol and attention they deserve, with even ruling BJP legislators repeatedly raising the issue before Assembly Speaker Satish Mahana.

Several BJP MLAs and MPs told ET that despite repeated complaints, the attitude of officials had not changed.

The issue resurfaced in March this year when state minister Asim Arun walked out of a government event in Kannauj after waiting 45 minutes for the district magistrate. Arun later wrote to the Kannauj DM seeking an explanation.


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Against this backdrop, UP Chief Secretary S P Goyal on Thursday issued a strongly worded government order directing all additional chief secretaries, principal secretaries, secretaries, the DGP, divisional commissioners and district magistrates to strictly follow protocol norms for ministers, MPs and MLAs.

The order stated that officers must stand up to welcome legislators and ministers when they visit government offices. Officials have also been directed to also offer water immediately upon arrival.