Day after FIR against Cong MLA, Haryana speaker asks chief secy to ensure officials behave

Chandigarh: Haryana assembly speaker Harvinder Kalyan on Tuesday met chief secretary Anurag Rastogi abd took up the issue of complaints by legislators against officials for not maintaining satisfactory and courteous behaviour.The issue was discussed when Rastogi called on Kalyan at the assembly premises to review and discuss preparations for the budget session starting from Friday. Whether on the floor of the house or outside assembly sessions, MLAs from almost all parties have complained about non-cooperative behaviour by some officials. The directions came a day after police booked the Congress MLA from Guhla, Jatinder Hans, for allegedly offering a baby rattle to an SDM during a protest.During the interaction, Kalyan categorically directed that prescribed procedures, decorum and mutual respect be fully ensured in official work with public representatives. He said the guidelines issued by the central govt regarding official conduct between the administration and MLAs clearly expected that officials should behave politely, promptly and responsively with public representatives. Their letters, suggestions and references should be acted upon with priority as per rules, and the communication process should be transparent and respectful.During the meeting, the chief secretary also brought to the speaker's attention that some MLAs used undemocratic language with administrative officials. On this, the assembly speaker also mentioned that the Lok Sabha Privileges Committee report laid down ethical conduct standards for public representatives as well. According to these standards, public representatives also need to maintain dignity and integrity in public life, while avoiding unnecessary interference in administrative work and respecting rules and procedures.The speaker said for the strength of the democratic system, it was necessary that both the administration and public representatives discharged their respective responsibilities with decorum and accountability. Rastogi assured appropriate action in this regard. He said that necessary instructions will be issued to all officials.