Senior Government Officials Directed To Frequently Meet Private Stakeholders

New Delhi, Jul 15 (KNN) Cabinet Secretary T V Somanathan has issued a directive to senior officers across government ministries, instructing them to make themselves accessible to non-official visitors seeking meetings related to their departments' work.

The instruction comes amid observations of a perceived reluctance among secretaries and senior officers to grant appointments to individuals outside the government framework.

In a letter addressed to secretaries, Somanathan outlined the importance of engaging with external stakeholders, stating that such meetings are essential for obtaining accurate feedback on government operations.

The Cabinet Secretary emphasised that interactions with non-officials can provide valuable insights into ground-level realities and help identify potential miscommunications regarding government policies or intentions.

The directive specifically notes that officers should not refuse meetings based solely on the visitor's background, whether they represent contractors, trade unions, political parties, or non-governmental organisations.

Somanathan stressed that these interactions present opportunities to access new ideas and address any mistakes or misunderstandings that may arise in policy implementation.

Several government officials have confirmed receipt of Somanathan's communication, which highlights concerns about accessibility within the bureaucratic system.

The letter underscores the administration's commitment to maintaining open channels of communication with various stakeholders who may have relevant input on ministerial work.

The Cabinet Secretary's instructions aim to bridge the gap between government officials and external parties, potentially improving the quality of policy feedback and implementation across various government departments.

(KNN Bureau)