look news india
News India Live, Digital Desk: A big and shocking news is coming out from the politics of Maharashtra at this time. The Eknath Shinde government of the state has made a major and revolutionary change in the rules of protocol (etiquette). Now government officials will not be required to stand up in respect of those MLAs or MPs who have been found guilty of any crime or against whom a serious investigation is going on. This step of the government is being considered as a strong message against corruption and crime.
The era of ‘Jee Hazuri’ ended, officials got a big relief It is often seen that whenever a public representative reaches a government office, as per protocol the officials have to leave their chairs out of respect for him. But after the new amendment, this ‘special treatment’ will not be given to those leaders whose record is not spotless. The Maharashtra government has made it clear that courtesy is only for those who respect the law. This decision has brought a sigh of relief to the officials in the administrative corridors, who were often under pressure from tainted leaders.
On which leaders will this new rule apply? According to the new guidelines issued by the government, this rule will mainly fall on three categories of leaders. First, those MLAs or MPs who have been declared guilty by a court. Secondly, those against whom departmental or judicial inquiry is pending in corruption or other serious cases. And thirdly those who have served jail sentence. On the arrival of such leaders, now the officers will neither stand nor will they be given VIP protocol like before.
What is the intention of the government behind the protocol amendment? This decision of Shinde government is being linked to administrative prudence. Experts say that the government wants to give the message that no one is above the law. If a public servant is found involved in a crime, he no longer deserves the respect of the public and the administration. This change is expected to reduce the ‘power game’ in government offices and increase the morale of officers.
There is panic in the opposition, will the political conflict increase? After this decision of Maharashtra Government, political temperature is certain to rise. Many opposition leaders are currently on the radar of various investigating agencies. In such a situation, opposition parties can call it a part of revenge politics. However, this decision is being appreciated among the general public as it is a direct attack on ‘VIP culture’. Now it remains to be seen how strictly the officials at the ground level implement this new protocol.