The Maharashtra government has released a new Government Resolution (GR) instructing all state employees to stand when Members of Parliament (MPs) or Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) visit their offices.
The GR, published on Thursday, emphasizes the need for courteous and dignified conduct toward elected representatives. It consolidates several earlier circulars issued between July 27, 2015, and August 20, 2021, bringing them under one unified framework for interacting with MPs and MLAs.
GR Issued by Chief Secretary Rajesh Kumar, the order further requires that officials speak respectfully with public representatives whether in person or over the phone and listen to them with full attention.
According to the government, the resolution aims to strengthen coordination between administrators and lawmakers. It calls for quick responses to letters from public representatives and encourages their involvement in government initiatives. Ultimately, the guidelines seek to make administrative functioning more transparent, dependable, and consistent.
The rules apply to all officers and employees working under the Maharashtra government and its affiliated bodies. Staff members are required to stand when a legislator enters or exits the room, extend full courtesy, listen attentively to their concerns, and provide assistance in accordance with regulations. Failure to comply may result in disciplinary action.
The resolution also details procedures for meetings and official events. District and regional authorities must set aside a two-hour time slot on the first and third Thursday of each month for scheduled interactions with MPs, MLAs, and citizens.
For urgent issues, representatives should be allowed to meet officials at any point during office hours. At government functions, local legislators must be invited, and their seating and acknowledgment must follow the official order of precedence.
The GR further lays out rules for handling correspondence. Departments must maintain a dedicated register physical or digital for all letters from MPs and MLAs, and replies must be issued within 60 days. If a complete response cannot be provided within the time frame, officials must notify the concerned representative, explain the reason for the delay, and specify the next steps. Information related to public welfare should also be supplied free of charge unless restricted under the RTI Act.
