Minister seeks dedicated phone line for legislators

Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh social welfare minister Asim Arun on Monday suggested the creation of a dedicated phone mechanism at both the state and district levels to address complaints from legislators that their calls to govt officials often go unanswered. Speaking in the UP Assembly, Arun proposed that a specific number be set up through which officials could be alerted if they fail to respond to calls from legislators or ministers. The proposed system, he said, would ensure that officers are informed that an elected representative is trying to reach them and that they must respond promptly. Arun's suggestion came during proceedings under Rule 301, in response to concerns raised by Leader of the Opposition Mata Prasad Pandey, who alleged that the executive was increasingly overshadowing the legislature. He claimed that many legislators face repeated instances of officials not answering or returning their calls. Pandey argued that such incidents undermine the authority of elected representatives and reflect a growing imbalance between the executive and legislative wings of governance. According to him, complaints about non-responsive officers surfaced repeatedly, yet no effective and permanent solution was implemented. Responding to the criticism, members of the treasury benches maintained that the govt is committed to upholding the dignity of the legislature. They emphasised that strict instructions are already in place and reiterated that disciplinary measures can be initiated against erring officials.