No honorifics before President, PM, ministers 

The government has decided to stop using honorific terms such as “Mahamanya (Honourable)” and “ Mananiya (Hon’ble or respected)” before the official titles of the President, Prime Minister, ministers, state ministers and deputy ministers in official correspondence and government documents. 

The decision was announced in a circular issued on Wednesday by the General Administration Wing of the Cabinet Division. Cabinet Division’s Deputy Secretary Tania Afroze signed the circular.

According to the circular, all ministries and divisions of the government, as well as offices and agencies under them, have been requested not to use “Mahamanaya” (Honourable), “Mananiya” (Hon’ble) or any other honorific expression before the official designations of the President and the Prime Minister, ministers, state ministers and deputy ministers when preparing or sending official correspondence, documents and summaries.

The government said the change applies specifically to formal written communication and the presentation of official files and summaries involving these constitutional and government officeholders.

The circular stated that the government had taken the decision to discontinue the written use of the honorific terms “Mahamanaya” and “Mananiya” before the respective official designations.

All ministries, divisions and subordinate offices have therefore been instructed to follow the revised practice in their official communications and documentation.

The Cabinet Division described the matter as “extremely important” and said the decision would take effect immediately.