Malpractices in overseas ITO offices: PAC

The Public Accounts Committee of Rajya Sabha has come down hard on the tourism ministry for its overseas offices saying they have been involved in malpractices.

It pointed out that the Indian tourism office (ITO) Beijing procured goods and services worth Rs 7.17 cr in gross violation of general financial rules while ITO London failed to follow transparent procurement process resulting in award of contract and payments to the tune of Rs 97.44 lakh for the same to non-existent firms.

Similarly, it pointed out anomalies in the tourism offices in Tokyo where lack of monitoring led to losses of at least Rs 62.18 lakh and a loss of Rs 62.18 lakh at the ITO in South Korea for procedural lapses.

"The scale of malpractices in the ITOs indicates connivance of the officials of Ministry and, therefore, desire that the independent inquiry into the same may be conducted and those responsible be brought to book," the committee led by Mallikarjun Kharge said.

It further said the ministry of tourism had failed to monitor the ITOs adequately and suggested that a robust mechanism for the same be developed to keep a check on such anomalies.

"Regular monitoring including periodical inspections by the Ministry will act as a deterrent for unscrupulous elements," it said.

India has several tourism offices abroad which are primarily responsible for promoting the country abroad as a tourist destination.