VCK MP D. Ravikumar urges Tamil Nadu Chief Secretary to enforce Union protocol on treatment of MPs

Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) general secretary and Villupuram Member of Parliament D. Ravikumar on Monday called on the Tamil Nadu Chief Secretary to ensure that the Union Government’s guidelines on official protocol for Members of Parliament are implemented across the State. He asked that District Collectors direct officials in the Revenue and other departments to adhere to the instructions without exception.

Background on the directive

In a statement, Mr. Ravikumar cited an order issued on January 12, 2026, which lays down how MPs are to be treated at official events. The order stipulates that MPs representing the area must be invited to public functions organised by a government office.

Key provisions highlighted

Underscoring the protocol to be observed at public functions, Mr. Ravikumar said: “In accordance with the Protocol, due consideration should be given to the fact that Members of Parliament rank above officers of the level of Secretaries to the Government of India and accordingly, proper and convenient seating arrangements should be made for them at public functions, and the appropriate order of seating on the dais should be followed.”

He added that invitations and publicity materials for functions within a constituency should reflect the participation of MPs where applicable. “In invitations and media events organised for functions taking place within a constituency, the names of the Members representing that constituency who have confirmed their participation in the events may be included. If the constituency of any Member of Parliament extends across more than one district, the Member of Parliament must invariably be invited to all functions held in the districts that form part of his or her constituency,” he said.

Call for administrative action

Mr. Ravikumar urged the Chief Secretary to take steps to ensure these protocols are uniformly followed. He specifically sought instructions to District Collectors to guide officials in the Revenue and other departments to implement the Union Government’s guidelines in letter and spirit at all government-organised functions across districts.

Significance

The MP’s intervention seeks consistent adherence to established protocol norms at official events, particularly with regard to invitations, seating arrangements, and recognition of MPs’ roles within their constituencies—including those spanning multiple districts.