• Source:JND
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The West Bengal government has issued strict advisories on foreign travel of government employees, according to an official on Sunday. A notification has been issued in this regard.

The official notification stated that no travel or accommodation arrangements, whether for personal foreign trips, LTC (Leave Travel Concession), or official overseas assignments, will be allowed without prior approval. The notification further stated that violation of these guidelines will lead to a breach of administrative rules. 

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"It has come to the notice of this office that certain government officials across various departments are applying for permission from the competent authority for private foreign visits, foreign visits under LTC, or official visits after already making travel bookings and accommodation arrangements," read a notification issued by Chief Secretary Manoj Pant, as quoted by NDTV.

The notification emphasised that such actions weaken compliance with established rules and procedures. 

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Here’s what the notification issued by West Bengal government said on foreign trips of employees: 

  • Prior travel or accommodation bookings would not be accepted as grounds for exemption or special treatment. The Chief Secretary firmly stated that no exemptions will be made solely because prior arrangements of accommodation and travel have been made by the employees. 

  • Officials were advised to strictly follow the existing guidelines regarding prior approval for such visits to maintain procedural integrity and administrative discipline.

  • The government further said, "All HODs shall ensure that under normal circumstances, the proposals are sent to this office at least four weeks before the commencement of the period of leave."

  • Under government regulations, obtaining prior approval for foreign travel is mandatory, and failure to do so may result in administrative action against the employee involved.

    • According to the government, the move is aimed at bringing regular discipline in the permission process related to foreign travel.

    With inputs from IANS