‘Take strict disciplinary action’: UP Speaker to Govt after MLAs say officers ignoring their calls

“It is appropriate that if the orders issued by the government are not implemented at the level of officials, strict disciplinary action should be taken against them in accordance with the rules. Failure by officials to comply with government orders constitutes a violation of their service rules,” the Speaker wrote, adding “an example is set and that such incidents do not recur in the future”.

Mahana also highlighted that he took note of the advice of Social Welfare Minister Aseem Arun and said that the government should form a system at the district and state level, which can act as a link between the legislators and the administrative officers.

On Tuesday, legislators, including those from the Opposition Samajwadi Party (SP), had pointed out that they were not receiving the expected cooperation from officials in matters related to public welfare.

The issue was first raised by Leader of Opposition and senior SP leader Mata Prasad Pandey. He had alleged, “If MLAs make a call for some queries, then officials should pick up. But here they are working on their free will. Sometimes they call back after two-three days and sometimes, they don’t even do that. If they continue to overpower the legislature this way, then it would weaken the democratic set-up.”

While Social Welfare Minister Asim Arun had admitted that some officers might be “sust, badtameez aur baiman (slow, ill-mannered and dishonest)”.

Taking serious note, the Speaker said on Wednesday, “Discussions… indicate that the expected cooperation from officers is not being provided to legislators, which is a matter of concern.”

He cautioned that it would be preferable if circumstances did not necessitate any punitive action for breach of privilege or contempt, but added that if such a situation does arise, then the House would have no option but to take appropriate action.

He also warned that continued non-cooperation or disrespect could amount to breach of privilege or contempt of the House.

Mahana asked Parliamentary Affairs Minister Suresh Khanna to ensure that “necessary directions” are issued in this regard at the level of the government and to send out a “stern message” to follow previous government orders. “If officers are not following government orders, then, as per the rules, disciplinary action should be brought into force,” he said.

The Speaker referred to the issue raised a day earlier by LoP Pandey and other SP members, who had alleged that while several government orders have been issued at the administrative level directing officials to extend due cooperation to MLAs, their effective implementation does not appear to be ensured.”

He also noted that under Article 164(2) of the Constitution, the Council of Ministers is collectively responsible to the Legislative Assembly, while Article 194 provides powers and privileges to members of the legislature to enable them to discharge their responsibilities effectively.

Recalling that the Assembly had earlier been compelled to take action against officials in certain pending matters, he said it would be better if such situations did not arise again. However, if the instructions are ignored, the House would have no option but to proceed with appropriate action.

Stressing democratic accountability, Mahana said elected representatives function on the trust of the people and officials must work in coordination with them to ensure effective delivery of public services.