Mumbai: In a move aimed at streamlining official conduct, the Maharashtra government has released a new “government etiquette manual” mandating how bureaucrats should interact with elected representatives. Issued by the General Administration Department (GAD), the document outlines behavioural norms for government employees during meetings, communication, and public programmes.
Mandatory Courtesy for Politicians
Under the revised SOP, government and semi-government staff must stand up and greet Members of Parliament (MPs) and Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) whenever they enter or exit an office for meetings.
Officials have been instructed to listen attentively to concerns raised by visiting leaders and extend necessary assistance as per government rules.
Polite Communication Required
The manual specifies that all telephonic conversations with MPs or MLAs must be handled with respectful and courteous language. Any form of discourtesy may invite disciplinary action.
Faster Response to Correspondence
The GAD has directed all departments to maintain both physical and digital registers to record letters received from MPs and MLAs.
Responses must be sent within a fixed timeline, ensuring that elected representatives are not kept waiting for official information or approvals.
Protocol for Government Events
For any government-related event, organisers must ensure that all public representatives—including Union ministers, state ministers, guardian ministers, MPs, MLAs, and Zilla Parishad chairpersons—are invited.
Their names must appear on invitations, and seating arrangements must follow official protocol.
Scheduled Interaction Hours
Regional and district-level heads have been instructed to set aside two hours on the first and third Thursday of every month exclusively to meet MPs and MLAs and address their concerns.
Strict Warning Against Violations
The GAD has clearly stated that any breach of the new etiquette guidelines will result in disciplinary action against the responsible officers or employees.
