Protocol Breach Allegation During Lok Sabha Speaker's Visit to Uttarakhand

Dehradun, Jul 2 (PTI) An explanation has been requested from Dehradun District Magistrate Savin Bansal regarding an alleged breach of protocol during Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla's recent visit to Uttarakhand. The inquiry was initiated by Uttarakhand Secretary (protocol) Vinod Kumar Suman, who on June 25 responded to a complaint received from the Speaker's secretariat on June 17, supplemented by input from the Union Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions. The core of the complaints revolved around the Speaker not receiving the honor and courtesies accorded to his esteemed office and a breach of protocol during his visit.

On June 12, Speaker Birla traveled to Mussoorie via Dehradun to deliver an address to promoted IAS officers undergoing training at the renowned Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration. It was during this visit that the alleged protocol violation occurred.

The complaint from the Speaker's secretariat highlighted an unsatisfactory response from the DM when contacted for information related to the visit. Additionally, it cited a failure to provide the respect and courtesies deserving of the Speaker's office and general breaches of protocol norms during the visit, the protocol secretary's letter to Bansal noted.

Upon inquiry by PTI, Suman confirmed that he had sought an explanation from the DM on the matter. However, he declined to provide further comments, stating the issue is still under review.