Reporter’s Diary: When hunt for information led to lengthy career advice from Rail official

When it came to getting a reaction for the report, the official offered a one-line response that they were waiting for TANGEDCO to complete their work. But when it came to the career advice, the official first questioned this scribe about her job experience and current salary and even advised her to apply for a government job (like him).

“You get better salaries and fewer working days,” he said. The official added that if the State government officials perform their duties properly, the country could reach greater heights and then journalists would have nothing to report on.

Then, after 15 more minutes of advice, the official spoke about current affairs and general knowledge questions, that are generally asked for government exams.

Later, he asked the scribe about her hometown and learning that it was a familiar place, the official went on to discuss the politics in the state and his brush with the bureaucracy. 

At the end of what appeared to be the longest interaction with a bureaucrat ever, the scribe was left wondering if the country would be better if government officials focused on their jobs more than chit-chatting with scribes.