Ministries need prior nod to pay for foreign delegates' spends

The latest directive from the Finance Ministry comes at a time when the government is on austerity path amid ballooning fiscal deficit and slowing economy.

"... No commitment for bearing the travel\accommodation costs of participants from countries for participating in seminars\conferences should be made without the prior approval of Secretary (Exp)\Cabinet Secretary, irrespective of the expenditure to be incurred on seminar\conference," it said.

The Finance Ministry sent out the memorandum to Secretaries of all ministries yesterday.

It was observed that ministries or departments were referring proposals of approval of Cabinet Secretary through Expenditure Secretary for holding international seminars, where commitments to provide travel and accommodation support for delegates from foreign countries have already been made.

"In some cases, even if there is no reciprocity or mutual understanding, the host departments\ministries themselves to such support for participants without the approval of the competent authority," the ministry pointed out.

Faced with the worst economic performance in nine years, the government in May had put in place an austerity drive, banning creation of new posts and holding its meetings in five-star hotels. Besides, it also restricted foreign travel by officials.

The measures were aimed at cutting non-Plan expenditure by 10 per cent during the current fiscal.