Gujarat Warns Officials: Show Respect to Public Representatives or Face Action

Gandhinagar | Gujarat — In a strong administrative message, the Gujarat government has issued a written circular directing all government officials and employees to maintain proper decorum and respect toward ministers, MPs and MLAs during official interactions and district visits. The move comes after repeated complaints that public representatives were not being greeted appropriately and that protocol was being ignored.

The circular, issued by the General Administration Department, makes it clear that any violation will invite disciplinary action. The government has taken serious note of representations claiming that elected representatives were not receiving due respect from certain officers during official tours and meetings.

Sources said the decision was taken to strengthen coordination between the administration and people’s representatives. “Public representatives are the voice of the people. Maintaining dignity and protocol is essential for smooth governance,” a senior official stated.

The warning is unambiguous — officers failing to comply with the new directives could face departmental proceedings. Political observers believe the move aims to prevent friction between the bureaucracy and elected leaders, ensuring faster resolution of public grievances.

The issue gained prominence two months ago when five BJP MLAs from Vadodara district wrote to Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, alleging non-cooperation and inefficiency among certain officials. The letter, which began with “Vande Mataram,” questioned the working style and mindset of officers posted in the district.

The MLAs — Ketan Inamdar, Akshay Patel, Shailesh Mehta, Chaitanyasinh Jhala, and Dharmendrasinh Vaghela — highlighted concerns about delays in developmental works and alleged indifferent behaviour by administrative staff.

This is not the first such episode. After the 2017 Assembly elections, similar complaints were raised during a meeting held at the Circuit House, reflecting long-standing tensions between sections of the political leadership and bureaucracy.

In political circles, the latest circular is being viewed as a corrective step taken “in the interest of the people.” Leaders believe that improved harmony between administrators and elected representatives will accelerate decision-making and enhance governance delivery.