Spare a thought for over-stressed Indian bureaucrats

The life of an Indian bureaucrat is a paradox of power and vulnerability.

- SRINATH SRIDHARAN

Entrusted with the nation's progress and often bearing the brunt of its frustrations, they are expected to deliver superhuman results under relentless scrutiny, manage conflicting demands and endure an exhausting workload without faltering. Yet, it surprises many that our bureaucracy must brave a growing epidemic of stress.

Bureaucrats operate in an environment where occupational hazards are not only physical but also psychological. Long hours, constant multitasking and the need to sift through hundreds of files daily are merely the start. Their days are punctuated by irate calls from stakeholders and urgent demands from political leaders. The frustrations of adapting to constantly shifting expectations, combined with having to deal with the egos of superiors within the service as well as political stakeholders, often make their work atmosphere toxic. Sometimes, even verbally abusive relationships need to be endured.

While their professional lives are steeped in responsibility, they are also entangled in a web of emotions—fear, pride, jealousy and, increasingly, burnout.

Service rules are ostensibly designed to protect them. Yet, there is a pervasive fear of being hauled up for questioning, often fueled by the weaponization of intricate regulations. This is further complicated by the small, elitist nature of the cadre. Adverse dynamics within the services could compound stress.