Patna, Aug 21: The Bihar government has issued fresh instructions to officials on dealing with MPs and MLAs, directing them to promptly respond to calls from public representatives, process their letters within stipulated timelines and ensure due respect and protocol during office visits.
The instructions have been issued by the General Administration Department, which has emphasised that public representatives are an important link between the people and the government machinery.
Under the new directive, officials have been asked to answer calls from MPs and MLAs promptly. If an official is unable to take a call because of urgent work, they must return the call themselves as soon as they are free.
The directive effectively requires officials to ensure that elected representatives do not have to make repeated attempts to contact them.
The government has also laid down procedures for dealing with letters submitted by MPs and MLAs. Officials must provide information or an acknowledgement/receipt after receiving such correspondence.
They are subsequently required to provide written information within the stipulated period regarding the action taken and the current status of the matter raised in the letter.
The directive also covers office visits by public representatives. MPs and MLAs visiting government offices for official work must be accorded “the respect and necessary protocol appropriate to their position”.
The instructions apply across the administration, including police officers, divisional commissioners, District Magistrates and officials of various departments. The government has directed them to strictly adhere to the guidelines.
The directive states that if an official cannot answer a call due to urgent work, he must “call the public representative himself as soon as his work is finished.”
The latest instructions are aimed at improving coordination between elected representatives and the state administration and ensuring that public grievances and issues raised through MPs and MLAs receive timely attention.
Government Secretary Mohammad Sohail issued the letter containing the instructions.
