Lucknow: Officers of the Uttar Pradesh government will now be required to courteously receive visiting Members of Parliament and Members of the Legislative Assembly by rising from their seats, offering water, patiently listening to their issues or complaints, and seeing them off with due respect. In a detailed note issued to all additional chief secretaries, principal secretaries, district magistrates, and police department heads, Chief Secretary S.P. Goyal referred to 15 government orders issued between October 18, 2017, and February 11, 2026, directing officials to adhere to protocols while dealing with public representatives.
Non-Compliance Leads to Disciplinary Action
“Unfortunately, these orders have been grossly flouted by several officers and government employees,” the Chief Secretary noted. He warned that officials found violating the directives would be deemed guilty of breaching the Uttar Pradesh State Employees’ Service Conduct Rules, 1956, and would face action under the Uttar Pradesh Government Servant (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, 1999. Rule 3(2) of the conduct rules states: “Every government servant shall, at all times, conduct himself in accordance with the specific or implied government orders regulating the conduct and behaviour.”
Context and Significance
The development comes close on the heels of MLAs raising the issue in the Uttar Pradesh assembly, accusing officials of not even answering their phones. The issue also gains significance as sitting MLAs begin to campaign in their constituencies ahead of assembly elections due early next year. Chief Secretary Goyal noted that detailed guidelines were issued, pursuant to various government orders, to ensure strict adherence to prescribed etiquette, protocol, and courtesy towards MPs and legislators.
Specific Directives for Officials
According to the directives, officials must compulsorily save or store the CUG numbers or any other mobile numbers provided by MPs or MLAs in their own mobile devices. Furthermore, officials are required to answer incoming calls from these members. In case the official concerned is unavailable or attending a meeting at the time of the call, they must, upon becoming aware of the missed call, prioritise calling back the public representative as soon as possible, accompanied by an appropriate message. Additionally, officials have been directed to resolve matters raised during phone calls by MPs and MLAs with the utmost quality and efficiency possible, and to duly apprise the members of the resolution status.
These measures aim to improve the responsiveness and courtesy of government officials towards elected representatives, ensuring smoother communication and better governance.
