After complaints, Punjab govt asks its officials to give MLAs their due respect

The order further states that whenever an MLA writes to a department regarding his constituency, a proper reply should be given on time so that he can get correct information regarding the same.
While referring to a letter, sent by the government to all department heads in 2021, (No.PRAF-11/30/2021-4PA/191144 04.06.2021), the department of parliamentary affairs stated that this letter was sent after the Centre’s guidelines. Through this letter, it was clarified that all the officers/employees, including police, should be instructed that when the personalities elected in the democratic structure approach for public welfare work, they should be treated politely and respectfully in government offices and all public institutions.

The government has sought an acknowledgement from all departmental head about the receipt of this letter. The letter is sent to the Special Chief Secretaries/Additional Chief Secretaries/Finance Commissioners/Principal Secretaries and Administrative Secretaries to bring these instructions to the notice of all officers/employees of the State and ensure strict compliance.

Ever since the AAP has taken over the reins of the state, party MLAs have been complaining that they were not being heard and treated well by the officers. They have often complained to Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan.

The issue was also raised at a recent meeting of party leaders chaired by state AAP in-charge Manish Sisodia. The 2021 letter was sent to the officers in June 2021, during former Chief Minister Amarinder Singh’s regime. The then ruling party MLAs had similar complaints at that time. Amarinder, who was then facing a revolt from his party colleagues, had directed the government to issue a letter to bureaucrats. However, the revolt took place and Amarinder had to resign as CM subsequently in September 2021.