In a move aimed at improving administrative discipline and promoting respectful interactions, the Maharashtra government has issued new conduct guidelines for state officials. The latest directive instructs government employees to behave politely and stand up as a sign of respect when elected representatives, including ministers and Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs), enter government offices. The decision reflects the government’s attempt to restore decorum and formal courtesy in official environments.
According to the circular issued by the state’s General Administration Department (GAD), these new rules are designed to strengthen the relationship between government officials and public representatives. The government has emphasized that politeness and respect form the foundation of good governance and help maintain a positive working culture across departments.
Promoting a Culture of Courtesy in Government Offices
The revised guidelines apply to all levels of administrative functionaries—from secretaries and commissioners to lower-level clerks. Officials have been instructed to address elected representatives courteously, respond to their queries promptly, and ensure that any correspondence or administrative work related to them is handled with due priority.
The directive further adds that standing up when an MLA, MP, or minister enters a government office is an established form of respect in official settings, similar to practices followed in many government systems across India and abroad. This symbolic gesture, the government says, is not about hierarchy but about maintaining dignity and discipline in public service.
An official from the GAD said that the move was part of the state’s effort to enhance the image of the government machinery in the eyes of both the public and the elected representatives. The government believes that healthy communication and mutual respect between bureaucrats and political leaders are essential for smooth governance and better service delivery.
Background and Reason Behind the Directive
Over the years, several instances of friction between government officials and elected representatives have surfaced in Maharashtra. Cases where officials failed to respond to MLAs’ concerns or showed dismissive behavior have occasionally created administrative tension. In some districts, these incidents even disrupted development-related projects due to poor coordination between departments and representatives.
To address this growing concern, the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) reportedly instructed the General Administration Department to issue formal behavior guidelines. The aim is to remind officials of their responsibility to maintain professionalism and demonstrate respect toward public representatives, regardless of personal opinions or political affiliations.
The circular states that government employees are expected to act with humility, honesty, and courtesy while dealing with elected officials or the general public. It highlights that good behavior is not only a sign of discipline but also a key part of citizen-centric governance.
Reaction from Political Circles and Public Response
The move has received a mixed response across political and administrative circles. Many elected representatives welcomed the decision, saying it would help improve coordination between officers and politicians. Several MLAs noted that officials often forget they are part of a public service system meant to assist and support citizen representatives in implementing development programs.
Some bureaucrats, however, have expressed caution. A few officials believe that focus should remain on efficiency and transparency rather than symbolic gestures. According to them, respect should be mutual and not limited to standing up or formal courtesies. “True respect comes from mutual trust, cooperation, and dedication to public welfare,” commented a senior officer requesting anonymity.
Experts note that such measures are not new in Indian administration. Similar conduct codes exist in the central government and other state services, emphasizing politeness, time-bound responsiveness, and disciplined correspondence. The difference this time lies in Maharashtra’s renewed emphasis on etiquette within office decorum, possibly indicating the government’s intent to curb instances of miscommunication or administrative delays.
Ensuring Accountability and Proper Implementation
The Maharashtra government has clearly stated that compliance with these conduct guidelines will be monitored at the departmental level. Heads of departments and divisional commissioners have been asked to ensure that all employees are aware of the new rules and follow them diligently. In case of any breach of conduct, appropriate disciplinary action may be taken under existing service regulations.
Training programs and orientation sessions may also be organized to sensitize officials about workplace behavior and communication skills. The government expects that a respectful office atmosphere will help bridge administrative gaps and lead to faster problem-solving for citizens approaching government offices for services.
Analysts believe that the timing of this directive also signals the government’s intent to project a more people-friendly administration. As Maharashtra continues to expand its developmental projects and infrastructure programmes, maintaining harmony between political and administrative wings has become essential.
Moving Toward a More Civil Administrative Culture
The state government’s focus on courtesy and discipline highlights a broader shift in governance philosophy — one that encourages cooperation, transparency, and professionalism. Restoring traditional values of respect and protocol, without compromising efficiency, could create a more people-centric governance model.
For citizens, these changes might result in smoother grievance redressal, faster approvals, and a friendlier experience at government offices. For officials, it’s a reminder of their duty to serve the public with empathy and dignity.
