Stand & greet MLAs & MPs and listen to what they say: Maharashtra govt to employees
In a recent directive, the Maharashtra government has issued guidelines to its employees, instructing them to “stand and greet” Members of Legislative Assembly (MLAs) and Members of Parliament (MPs) when they arrive or leave government or semi-government offices. The guidelines also emphasize the importance of listening carefully to what MPs or MLAs have to say and using respectful, polite, and courteous language while interacting with them, either in person or over the phone.
The move is aimed at promoting a culture of respect and courtesy among government employees towards elected representatives, who are essentially the people’s representatives. By doing so, the government hopes to foster a positive and productive relationship between the bureaucracy and the elected representatives, which is essential for the smooth functioning of the democratic system.
The guidelines are not just limited to in-person interactions but also extend to phone conversations. Employees have been advised to use polite and respectful language while talking to MLAs and MPs over the phone. This is a significant aspect of the directive, as phone conversations can often be brief and to the point, but still require a level of decorum and respect.
The directive has been issued in response to complaints from some MLAs and MPs about the behavior of government employees towards them. Some elected representatives had reportedly felt disrespected or ignored by government officials, which had created tension between the two groups. By issuing these guidelines, the government hopes to address these concerns and promote a more positive and respectful atmosphere.
It is worth noting that the guidelines are not just about showing respect to MLAs and MPs but also about promoting a culture of courtesy and politeness among government employees. By instructing employees to listen carefully to what MLAs and MPs have to say, the government is emphasizing the importance of active listening and effective communication. This can help to prevent misunderstandings and ensure that the concerns of elected representatives are addressed in a timely and effective manner.
The guidelines are also significant because they recognize the important role that MLAs and MPs play in the democratic system. As elected representatives, they are responsible for representing the interests of their constituents and holding the government accountable for its actions. By showing respect and courtesy to MLAs and MPs, government employees can help to facilitate this process and promote a more effective and responsive system of governance.
In addition to promoting a culture of respect and courtesy, the guidelines can also help to improve the overall efficiency and effectiveness of government offices. When government employees are polite and courteous, they are more likely to build positive relationships with MLAs and MPs, which can help to facilitate the flow of information and the resolution of problems. This can lead to better outcomes for citizens and a more effective use of government resources.
Overall, the Maharashtra government’s directive to employees to “stand and greet” MLAs and MPs and listen to what they say is a positive step towards promoting a culture of respect and courtesy in government offices. By emphasizing the importance of polite and respectful language, active listening, and effective communication, the government can help to build stronger relationships between bureaucrats and elected representatives, which is essential for the smooth functioning of the democratic system.
In conclusion, the guidelines issued by the Maharashtra government are an important reminder of the need for respect, courtesy, and effective communication in government offices. By following these guidelines, government employees can help to promote a positive and productive relationship between the bureaucracy and elected representatives, which can lead to better outcomes for citizens and a more effective use of government resources.