Besides being attentive to law makers, Haryana babus have been directed to be courteous to members of Legislative Assembly (MLAs) and members of Parliament (MP).

In a circular issued by the chief secretary (CS) in May, officials have been told to be “meticulously correct and courteous and also rise to receive and see off a Member of Parliament or state legislature visiting him or her,”.

“Government servants should show courtesy and consideration to MPs and MLAs and listen patiently to and consider carefully what MPs and MLAs may have to say,” said the circular.

It said the government servants should always act according to own best judgements and as per rules. The circular warns officials of departmental actions or inquiry for not meeting these instructions. It also says that arrangements should be made to receive the MPs,MLAs when they visit a Central or state government officer after taking prior appointment.

The circular has further advised that arrangements should also be made to permit entry of the lawmakers’ vehicles to these offices, subject to security requirements or restrictions. The circular said MP or MLA of the area should invariably be invited to public functions organised by a government office. Proper and comfortable seating arrangements at public functions and proper order of seating on the dais should be made for the members, it further says.

“Invitation cards and media events, if organised for the function held in the constituency (of the MP or MLA concerned), may include the name of the members of that constituency who have confirmed participation in these functions,” it says.

The circular has provided the copy of guidelines issued by the Union governments department of personnel and training to all the administrative heads of all the departments for compliance. Earlier on 8 June, an official spokesperson had said officers have been directed to strictly comply the consolidated instructions and guidelines on official dealing between the administration and MPs as well as MLAs.

While stating this, a spokesman of Political and Parliamentary Affairs Department had said that Committee on violation of protocol norms and contemptuous behaviour of government officers with members of Lok Sabha in its second report tabled in the Lok Sabha on January 4, 2018 has recommended ensuring strict compliance of these instructions by the government servants.