Bhagwant Mann Govt. Orders Respectful Protocol for MLAs Across All Departments
Ravi Jakhu
Chandigarh, July 12, 2025 – The Punjab government has issued a directive requiring all departmental heads and officials to ensure respectful treatment and adherence to proper protocol for Members of the Punjab Legislative Assembly (MLAs). The order, stemming from a communication by the Department of Parliamentary Affairs, applies to officials across civil, police, education, health, engineering, and development sectors, emphasizing compliance at all levels of governance.
The directive follows recommendations from the Punjab Vidhan Sabha’s Committee of Privileges, which highlighted significant lapses in adhering to prior government orders on respectful conduct toward MLAs, particularly at district and sub-divisional levels. To address these shortcomings, the government has instructed officials to uphold decorum and ensure MLAs are treated with due respect during official interactions.
Obeying the directions, Mohali Deputy Commissioner has directed all departmental heads to disseminate these instructions to their subordinates through formal meetings or video conferences.
Compliance is to be ensured at every level of governance.
Among those directed are officials from:
- Police, GMADA, Municipal Corporation, Education, Health, Public Works (PWD), PSPCL, Water Supply & Sanitation, Panchayati Raj, and others.
- Sub-Divisional Magistrates (SDMs), Tehsildars, Naib Tehsildars, Civil Surgeons, District Welfare Officers, and Technical Coordinators.
- Block Development Officers (BDOs), Assistant Commissioners, and Executive Engineers across SAS Nagar, Kharar, Dera Bassi, Majri, Zirakpur, and Banur.
Additionally, district authorities have mandated that school heads under their jurisdiction strictly comply with these guidelines. Deputy Commissioners across Punjab have been tasked with ensuring full implementation, with a focus on fostering accountability and professionalism in interactions with elected representatives.
The Punjab government underscored that adherence to these instructions is non-negotiable, aiming to strengthen coordination between the administration and elected MLAs to enhance governance and public service delivery.
District authorities means DCs have further instructed school heads under their jurisdiction to comply strictly with these guidelines.