Govt tightens norms for foreign jaunts by ministers, babus

NEW DELHI: The government is not going to let ministers and officials fly in and out to foreign destinations without a proper work plan.
Keeping a close eye on overseas trips, the cabinet secretariat has detailed the steps to be followed to get the go-ahead from the Prime Minister's Office. This includes providing details of what the official or the minister intends to do during the trip abroad.In addition, the outcome of the previous trip also has to be detailed when seeking formal approval from the PMO.
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In any case, all proposals are required to be submitted to South Block at least 10 days before the proposed date of departure, instead of five days earlier, a two-page note from the cabinet secretariat to all secretaries said.

The procedure will also be followed for all foreign trips by chief ministers and state ministers. In any case ministers and officers are required to submit a detailed report of the task accomplished during their visits. Now, they will also be asked to provide details of follow-up action that was initiated by them between the time they undertook the previous visit and the time when they seek permission for another trip.
The tight leash over foreign travel comes at a time when the government is keen to improve efficiency and cut down on wasteful spending. The way several ministers were allowed to travel abroad, including on Air Force aircraft, had faced criticism.
The cabinet secretariat has issued a series of instructions, including on cleanliness and use of social media, since the Modi government took charge.