Even MPs, MLAs are unhappy with babugiri

After several lawmakers complain about government officials' behaviour, state government issues circular asking babus to behave

Even MPs, MLAs are unhappy with babugiri

After several lawmakers complain about government officials' behaviour, state government issues circular asking babus to behave

Itu00a0is common for visitors to complain about treatment meted out to them at government offices. This time, however, Members of Parliament and the Legislative Assembly are complaining of becoming "victims" because of babus' uncouth behaviour.

A Maharashtra government circular, issued in the first week of June, has asked government officials to behave properly with MLAs and MPs. The circular contains exhaustive guidelines on how officials should behave with lawmakers.

The 10 page circular begins with the government expressing displeasure over the situation where MPs and MLAs have to register unending complaints against officials.

The circular has been drafted with suggestions made by the Committee on Privileges of the State Legislature.

According to it, training sessions are to be held where babus will be trained on how to behave with elected representatives. It also suggests disciplinary action against erring babus, irrespective of their cadre.

So far, since 1964, the state government has issued a total of 22 such circulars. In 1996, two circulars with guidelines on how to treat lawmakers were issued, followed by one circular every year between 1998 and 2003.
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Three similar circulars were issued in 2010.

Reacting on the 23rd circular (issued this month), senior BJP MLA and Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee Girish Bapat said, "Despite repeated guidelines MLAs and MPs get unfair treatment at government offices."

Government guidelines for the babus

> Offer courteous treatment to MLAs, MPs

> Offer a patient hearing to their submissions

> Stand up on their arrival and exit to your chambers

> Ensure invitations for government functions. Reach out to them well in advance

> Don't miss the names of MLAs and MPs from invitation cards for government functions

> Try to avoid any meetings or functions when state legislature or parliament is in session.

> Any official found guilty while dealing with them will face disciplinary action under the Civil Services Rules and also have to face legislative committees.