(THE NEWSMAN OF INDIA.COM) Senior central government officials, including secretaries, have been advised to be more open in granting appointments to individuals outside the government system. The move aims to bridge the communication gap between ministries and the general public.

In a recent directive, Cabinet Secretary T V Somanathan highlighted that reluctance to meet non-government individuals could limit officials’ understanding of on-ground realities and hinder effective policy communication. He emphasized that interactions with people connected to ministries — including beneficiaries, contractors, private sector representatives, and members of civil society — can help address misunderstandings, uncover useful ideas, and rectify errors.

While acknowledging the time constraints senior officials often face, the directive encouraged meetings to be conducted in official settings, with an option to include another officer for transparency. It also clarified that meetings with those involved in legal or contractual disputes can be held within these boundaries.

The development comes amid internal acknowledgment that excessive caution among officials sometimes prevents engagement with outsiders, inadvertently affecting those with genuine concerns or inputs.