The Protocol Branch of the Home & Hill Affairs Department deals with matters relating to protocol, ceremonial procedures, and observance of precedence during official functions, VIP visits, and State ceremonies. In the Government of West Bengal, the Hon’ble Chief Minister is the Minister-in-Charge of Protocol, the Chief Secretary is the Chief of Protocol, and the Under Secretary (Home) functions as the State Protocol Officer.

The Protocol Branch handles matters relating to protocol and ceremonial procedures, including determination and observance of order of precedence during VIP visits and State functions.

It makes all necessary protocol arrangements for visits of VVIPs and VIPs, including coordination with concerned departments and agencies to ensure compliance with prescribed protocol norms.

The Branch processes cases relating to declaration of State Guests, where files are placed before the Chief Secretary, being the Chief of Protocol of the State, for appropriate decision.

It undertakes coordination and provision of protocol arrangements for formal State ceremonies, including national and State-level events. In cases involving visits of foreign delegations, the Branch processes proposals and places files for obtaining necessary clearances from the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, wherever required.

The Branch also deals with consular matters and issues relating to foreign consular missions and United Nations bodies operating within the State, and acts as a channel of official communication with such entities in accordance with established procedures.

Further, the Protocol Branch organises and coordinates the oath-taking ceremonies of newly elected Government in the State, as well as arrangements relating to State funerals, ensuring due observance of protocol and ceremonial norms.

The Protocol Branch is headed by the State Protocol Officer (Under Secretary, Home) and is supported by officers and staff assigned protocol duties as per the departmental allocation of business.