Stop Hoarding Files: Cabinet Secretary T.V Somanathan Asks Officers To Delegate More

TV Somanathan’s Big Push: Trust Juniors, Speed Up Governance

Cabinet Secretariat Issues Delegation Guide To Cut Red Tape

“Thrice Blessed”: Somanathan Says Delegation Will Make Govt Faster

Cabinet Secretary TV Somanathan Calls For Faster Decision-Making, Urges Senior Officers To Delegate

Many government offices don’t slow down due to lack of officers or resources. They slow down because too many decisions wait for approval at the top.

In a strong message to all Union government secretaries, Cabinet Secretary TV Somanathan has called for a change in this work culture. He has asked senior officers to stop holding on to every decision and start trusting junior officers with more responsibility.

According to the Cabinet Secretary, seniors often hesitate to delegate out of fear of mistakes or criticism. At the same time, many juniors also avoid taking decisions even when they have the authority, and instead send files back to their superiors. “The challenge, therefore, lies both with seniors unwilling to delegate and juniors hesitant to exercise the authority already given to them,” he said.

New Guide On Delegation Released To Cut Delays And Build Future Leaders

To address this, the Cabinet Secretariat has issued a practical guide on the art of delegation. The guide clearly explains what work can be delegated, how much authority should be given, how to select the right officer, and how to supervise without micromanaging.

A key reminder in the guide: “Authority can be delegated, but responsibility cannot.” Senior officers will remain accountable for the final outcome. It also warns against “reverse delegation” — the practice of junior officers pushing files upward to avoid decisions that are already within their powers.

Calling better delegation “thrice blessed”, Mr. Somanathan said it will make government work faster, save senior officers’ time, and prepare the next generation of leaders. The move is aimed at reducing bureaucratic delays and building a more responsive, empowered administration.