No.25/29/56-Ests(A)
Government of India
Ministry of Home Affairs
(Department of Personnel & Administrative Reforms*)
Dated 28th August, 1957
OFFICE MEMORANDUM
SUBJECT. Observance of courtesies of the Government of India in their dealings with Members of Parliament.
1. It has been brought to the nonce of the Government by certain Members of Parliament that instances have occurred in which Members of Legislatures have not been accorded by Government officers the consideration and regard which their position in the public fife of the country requires. Government of India have no doubt that lapses, if any, in this respect cannot be intentional, and that there is no desire to be discourteous or rude. Nevertheless, Government of India would like to remind all officers that due courtesy and regard tothe representatives of the people are desirable in the larger interests of the country. The Members of Parliament have important functions to perform under the Constitution and it should be the endeavour of every officer to help them to the extent possible in the discharge of their functions.In cases, however, when officers are unable to accede to the request or suggestions of Members of Parliament, the reasons for the officer's inability to do so should be courteously explained to them. For purposes of interview. Members of Parliament should be given preference over other visitors, and in the very rare cases where an officer is unable to see a Member of Parliament at a time about which he had no previous notice, the position should be politely explained to the Member and another appointment fixed in consultation with him. The same courtesy and regard should be shown to Members of Legislatures attending public functions where, in particular, seats befitting their position should be reserved for them,
2. Ministry of Finance etc. are requested to bring these instructions to the notice of all concerned.
Copy of O.M. No,25/6/68-Ests.(A) dated 27.3.1968.
As the Ministry ofFinance etc. are aware, instructions were issued on 28.8.57 emphasisingthe need for observance of proper courtesies by officers of theGovt. in their dealings with Members of Parliament. In continuation ofthese instructions, it is further emphasised that where any meeting convened by Govt. is to be attended by Members of Parliament, special care should betaken to see that notice is givento themin good time regardingthe date, time, venue etc. of the meeting and it should be ensured that there is no slipin any matter of detail, however, minorit may be.
Ministry of Finance etc. are requestedto bring the above instructions to the notice of all concerned.
Sd/
(HARISH CHANDRA)
Under Secretary to the Government of India
* Department of Personnel & Administrative Reforms is at Present under the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions.