ENA Economy 2025-07-15 13:43:24 <p><span style="font-size:14px"><strong>New Delhi, Jul 15 (KNN)</strong> 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.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">The instruction comes amid observations of a perceived reluctance among secretaries and senior officers to grant appointments to individuals outside the government framework.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">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.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">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.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">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.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Somanathan stressed that these interactions present opportunities to access new ideas and address any mistakes or misunderstandings that may arise in policy implementation.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">Several government officials have confirmed receipt of Somanathan's communication, which highlights concerns about accessibility within the bureaucratic system.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">The letter underscores the administration's commitment to maintaining open channels of communication with various stakeholders who may have relevant input on ministerial work.</span></p> <p><span style="font-size:14px">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.</span></p> <p><em><strong><span style="font-size:14px">(KNN Bureau)</span></strong></em></p> 42808 https://knnindia.co.in/news/newsdetails/economy/senior-government-officials-directed-to-frequently-meet-private-stakeholders 2025-07-15 13:43:24 knnindia.co.in