The officer’s dominance, prevalent during the BJD rule, is now set to end completely. Consequently, officers can no longer ignore MPs and MLAs; instead, they must respect them, listen to their concerns, and take lawful steps. Moreover, the government will conduct monthly high-level reviews to track the departments with which MLAs and MPs have interacted. To enforce this change, the State Public Administration Department has issued strict instructions to department secretaries, ensuring that MPs and MLAs receive administrative respect as outlined in Book Circular-47.
In this regard, Surendra Kumar, Additional Chief Secretary of the State Public Administration Department, has directed all department secretaries to provide due respect to MPs and MLAs under Book Circular-47. Furthermore, departments without special cells for addressing letters and recommendations from MPs and MLAs must establish them immediately. These cells will appoint a nodal officer and a dealing officer to promptly address letters, recommendations, and complaints. Additionally, directorates and district/block-level offices will report the actions taken on MPs and MLAs’ requests by August 10. Subsequently, departments will forward these reports to the Public Administration Department by August 15 in a prescribed format. Lastly, the Chief Secretary will personally review these reports on August 20. To ensure transparency, departments must also submit a special report on resolved letters. Violating Book Circular-47, therefore, will result in action under Rule-12.
After Mohan Majhi’s government took charge, the administration enforced guidelines on August 7, 2024, requiring strict compliance with Book Circular-47, originally issued on December 2, 2005. This circular directs government officers to actively respect elected representatives. For example, officers must stand and greet MPs and MLAs during office visits, respond to their calls or return them promptly, and document these interactions in a register.
During the BJD regime, VK Pandian, the unofficial leader, allowed officers to wield unchecked power. Consequently, they frequently sidelined and disrespected MPs and MLAs, asserting more authority than the elected representatives. The new directive now restores power and dignity to MPs and MLAs, promoting a balanced and respectful administrative structure.