Aam aadmi becomes ‘sir’ or ‘madam’ for govt staff

CHANDIGARH: Call it the power of ‘aam aadmi’ (common man) or good governance funda. The commoners will finally be shown some courtesy in the corridors of power in Haryana. And they don’t have to be wellconnected or give reference of a powerful politician or their lackeys.

The state chief secretary’s office has sent out instructions to all its officers to show minimum basic courtesy to the citizens approaching various organs of the government for individual or public matters and extend ‘careful consideration’ to all letters received from them.

“The communication should be responded to at an appropriate level, and expeditiously. All replies shall invariably begin with the use of words ‘sir’ or ‘madam’ as the case may be,” according to instructions sent by secretary, administrative reforms to all the administrative secretaries, heads of departments, deputy commissioners and the divisional commissioners.

The instructions, which have also been sent to managing directors and chief administrators of all boards and corporations, have advised them to extend proper courtesy to citizens. “The extension of minimum basic courtesy is an integral part of good governance,” reads the communication.

The departments have been directed to indicate the name, designation, telephone number, fax number and e-mail of officer signing the communication in the communication, wherever applicable.