PM Narendra Modi keeps tabs on foreign tours of secretaries to the government

New Delhi: Not happy with secretaries to the Government of India traveling abroad at will, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has put a rider, asking them to travel overseas only if the “needs are not likely to be served by sending a junior officer”.

Suggesting secretaries keep the PM’s “observations in mind”, cabinet secretary Ajit Seth shot off a letter, a copy of which is with this newspaper, demanding “strict compliance”.

In his letter, Mr Seth said: “The Prime Minister has, in the context of a proposal for deputation abroad, observed that “foreign as well as domestic tours of secretaries should be planned only if the joint secretary/additional secretary-level officers are not likely to address needs?.”

The cabinet secretary added that the PM’s observation “may kindly be kept in mind for strict compliance, while considering any proposal involving domestic and foreign tours”.
This direction will also apply in case of tours “as part of a delegation led by the minister concerned”.

Streamlining foreign travels by Chief Ministers and ministers in state and Union territory governments, a new directive has been issued, that makes it mandatory for them to not only inform the Centre about the “proposed visit”, but they should also apprise it once they return.

Making it clear that prior political and FCRA (Foreign Contribution Regulation Act) clearances are “mandatory”, an office memorandum by the Central government, a copy of which is also with this newspaper, said: “The Cabinet Secretariat and ministry of external affairs should be kept informed of the proposed foreign visit, either official or private, of chief ministers and ministers in state/Union territory governments”.

It adds while granting political clearance, the ministry of external affairs “will also stipulate (it) be kept informed of the visit(s) when it is actually made”.