In a major administrative reform aimed at “strengthening good governance and improving coordination between public representatives and the bureaucracy”, Maharashtra has issued a new government resolution (GR) directing all the state officials to extend enhanced courtesy and respect to Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) and Members of Parliament (MPs).
The GR, released on Thursday by the general administration department (GAD), consolidates eight earlier circulars issued between 2015 and 2021 into a single comprehensive framework titled ‘Guidelines for Providing Honourable and Courteous Treatment to Legislative Assembly/Parliament Members’.
Officials across all the state departments, district administrations, semi-government bodies, boards, corporations and institutions under government control have been instructed to implement the directives immediately.
‘Stand and greet’ protocol made mandatory
A key feature of the resolution is the requirement that officials stand up and greet Members of Legislative Assembly (MLAs) and Member of Parliament (MPs) during their arrival and departure from government offices. Officials must listen attentively to their concerns, use polite language in all interactions—whether in person or over the phone—and extend prompt assistance as per established rules and procedures, stated the GR.
Stricter rules for correspondence and response deadlines
Every office must now maintain a dedicated physical or digital register— including entries under the VIP Section of the e-Office system— to track all letters received from MLAs and MPs. Details such as the representative’s name, letter date, subject, and the dates of receipt and final reply must be recorded.
The GR further stated that all correspondence must be resolved within two months, except matters related to transfers or promotions.
If delays are unavoidable, the case must be escalated to the department head or district collector, and an interim update must be sent to the representative.
Department heads will conduct a quarterly review of all pending matters to ensure compliance.
Mandatory invitations for government programmes
The GR reiterates that ministers, guardian ministers, MPs, MLAs, mayors, zilla parishad chairpersons, municipal council presidents and sarpanches must be invited to foundation-laying ceremonies, inaugurations and similar government events.
Invitations must follow the official protocol of precedence, and district deputy collectors are responsible for verifying attendance lists before printing.
Reserved meeting hours for public representatives
To streamline interactions, regional and district heads must reserve two hours on the first and third Thursdays of every month exclusively for MLAs, MPs and citizens. These timings should be publicly notified and formally communicated to the representatives.
Urgent issues may, however, be taken up during regular office hours.
restrictions during legislature sessions
No major government events should be held at the local level during sessions of the Maharashtra Legislature or Parliament. If unavoidable, the timing must not clash with assembly or parliamentary proceedings, the GR mandated.
Compliance with special powers committees
The government has instructed strict adherence to the directives of the Maharashtra’s Legislature’s Special Powers Committees. Any breach notices must be responded to immediately, and failure to comply may invite disciplinary action under the Maharashtra Civil Services (Discipline and Appeal) Rules and relevant provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988.
RTI-Linked information access for MLAs and MPs
Legislators and MPs can request information free of charge if it pertains to their parliamentary duties and falls within the definitions of Sections 2(f) and 2(j) of the RTI Act, 2005.
Information exempted under Section 8(1) will not be provided, the GR clarifies.
Departments have also been instructed to proactively publish key information on official websites.
Training and accountability
All the state training institutions must include modules on the new guidelines in foundation and periodic training programmes. Non-compliance will be treated seriously and may affect an officer’s career progression.
Objective and background
Chief Secretary Rajesh Kumar issued the order on behalf of the Governor, with copies circulated to the Maharashtra Chief Minister, legislative council chairman, assembly speaker, cabinet ministers, opposition leaders and district administrators.
The move aligns with the state’s commitment to “Sushasan (good governance)”, with instructions issued to all senior officials—from the Mumbai Police Commissioner to district-level officers—to ensure immediate and uniform implementation.
