West Bengal CM’s absence at President Murmu’s reception raises Blue Book protocol issue

The protocol for visits of the President, Vice-President and Prime Minister to states is governed by the Blue Book issued by the Union Home Ministry. It specifies detailed procedures and arrangements that must be followed by state and district authorities.

Blue Book Protocol for Visits of High Constitutional Dignitaries:

Dimension	Key Details
Blue Book	A protocol document defining procedures and arrangements for visits of top constitutional dignitaries.
Prepared By	Issued and periodically updated by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs.
Document Handling	Numbered copies are circulated to concerned authorities for official use.
Custody at District Level	Maintained by the District Magistrate and the head of the district police.
Dignitaries Covered	Applies to visits of the President, Vice-President and Prime Minister.
Reception Protocol	The Governor and Chief Minister of the state are expected to receive these dignitaries during official visits.
Alternative Arrangement	The Chief Minister may designate a minister to receive the dignitary if unable to attend personally.
Protocol Compliance	The Blue Book provisions are strictly enforced and deviations can trigger administrative inquiries.
Advance Approval	A “line-up” list of persons permitted to meet or receive the President must be submitted to and approved by the President’s Secretariat in advance.
Related Constitutional Provision	Article 356(1) allows the President to act if a state government fails to function in accordance with the Constitution.
Powers under Article 356	The President may assume functions of the state government, transfer legislative powers to Parliament and dismiss the state council of ministers.