Dharampur MLA to boycott public events in protest against lack of respect for public representatives
Friday, 15 NOVEMBER 2024 | PNS | DEHRADUN
Bharatiya Janata Party leader and Dharampur MLA Vinod Chamoli has written to chief secretary Radha Raturi over the perceived lack of respect and appropriate conduct by government officials toward public representatives during State-organised programmes and meetings. He stated that he will refrain from participating in any public events organised by the State government or administration untill guidelines are issued to departments concerned to uphold appropriate protocol for public representatives in public events. In his letter to Raturi, he conveyed his dissatisfaction with the conduct of government officials, asserting that elected representatives are often not given due respect or recognition in such settings, which he described as insulting. He highlighted the foundational principle of democracy as treasured in the constitution, wherein governance is carried out through representatives elected by the people. He pointed out that elected officials are the voice of the public and any disrespect shown toward them translates to a disregard for the people they represent. Emphasising the need for officials to adhere to a standard of decorum in their interactions with public representatives, Chamoli said that the absence of such decorum disrupts the harmony between elected representatives and the bureaucracy. In his letter, the MLA called for the creation of a clearly defined etiquette and behavioural guideline within the state which will ensure that public representatives receive appropriate respect and acknowledgment. He asserted that this will facilitate smooth governance in line with public sentiment and safeguard the honour of elected officials. He stated that these guidelines should clarify the roles and relationships between representatives, who serve as the voice of the people, and officials, who are government servants. He stated that until the state implements such a code of conduct or directs relevant departments to uphold appropriate behaviour toward representatives, he will refrain from participating in any public events organised by the State government or administration, except those directly impacting the development of his constituency. He formally requested that the government issue explicit guidelines on decorum and behaviour toward public representatives, stressing the need for a protocol to foster cooperation between elected officials and bureaucrats, in a manner that reflects the respect and values of a democratic system.
It will be recalled that Chamoli was miffed at the lack of protocol during the ceremonial police parade on the State foundation day when he was not accorded a seat according to protocol as the local MLA.
