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 give them the protocol and attention they deserve; Even the ruling BJP legislators have been repeatedly raising the issue before Speaker Satish Mahana.

Some BJP MPs and MPs told ET that despite repeated complaints, the authorities’ attitude has not changed.

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

Also Read: Rumors of cabinet expansion in UP as Adityanath meets Governor Anandiben Patel

In this backdrop, UP Chief Secretary SP Goyal on Thursday issued a strong government order directing all additional chief secretaries, chief secretaries, secretaries, DGP, divisional commissioners and district magistrates to strictly adhere to protocol norms for ministers, MPs and MLAs.

The order stated that civil servants must stand to greet legislators and ministers when they visit government offices. Officials were also instructed to offer water immediately upon arrival.