Bad Apples': Cabinet Secy calls out toxic bureaucrat behavior

In a recent performance review, Cabinet Secretary TV Somanathan reportedly took aim at toxic workplace culture and inefficiency within the bureaucracy. Using cartoons to illustrate his points, he highlighted 12 problematic behaviours hampering government productivity. Somanathan expressed strong displeasure over officials who throw files, schedule meetings after 7 PM, or force staff to work Saturdays only to arrive late themselves. Significantly, he condemned inappropriate conduct, such as making women colleagues uncomfortable by asking them to stand too close while reviewing documents. Urging faster inter-ministry consultations, Somanathan did not mince words. According to insiders, he warned that "some bad apples are hell-bent on giving a bad name to the government."