Annexure I - Foreign Travel Rules | KartavyaDesk
Original Rule Text
18. Visit of non-officials at Government cost will require approval of PM. Their visits are to be routed through SCoS only if they form a part of a composite delegation. In other cases, the PM is to be approached (through PMO) by the administrative Ministry directly. 19. There shall be no objection in accepting international air travel costs and hospitality from an international body of which India is a member or the visit abroad is covered under bilateral/multilateral agreement or under a regular exchange programme. The terms and conditions on deputation shall not be supplemented with the terms and conditions on deputation offered by the Government of India viz, the mode and class of travel. Payment of cash allowance and other allowances including local travel and stay in hotel would be as per the terms offered by the foreign Government/ sponsors. 20. Invitations received directly by the officers by virtue of expertise in a particular field and where no particular Government of India business is to be transacted will be treated as personal visits. Such visits in respect of Additional Secretary and above level officers require SCoS approval. The officer would have to take leave for the period of such visits and such visits are not to be undertaken at government costs. 21. Proposals shall be submitted along with deputation proforma containing all relevant details (including political clearance from MEA and FCRA clearance from MHA, if required). Only those proposals are to be referred to SCoS where funds are available to bear the expenditure on the foreign visit. 22. Proposals, complete in all respects, seeking approval of SCoS shall be submitted to Department of Expenditure 15 days prior to departure date of delegation. 23. Deputation abroad of officers of the level above Director upto Joint Secretary will be decided by Ministries/Departments, under delegated powers, in consultation with their FA and with the approval of the Minister-in-charge. Foreign visits of officers upto the level of Director and equivalent will be decided by the administrative Secretaries in consultation with the concerned FA. 24. Deputations of officers upto the level of Joint Secretaries in Ministries/Departments and officials from PSUs/ Autonomous Bodies, etc. shall also be regulated in accordance with the spirit of these guidelines.
What This Means
Annexure I of the Delegation of Financial Powers Rules, 1978, primarily deals with the rules and regulations surrounding foreign travel and visits, especially those involving non-officials and government employees. It outlines the approval processes, funding sources, and conditions under which such visits can occur. The aim is to ensure transparency, accountability, and efficient use of government resources when individuals travel abroad for official purposes or when non-officials are involved in government-related activities. It also covers situations where international bodies or agreements cover travel costs and hospitality.
This explanation was generated with AI assistance for educational purposes. Always refer to the official gazette notification for authoritative text.
Key Points
- •Visits of non-officials at government expense require PM's approval, routed through the Standing Committee of Secretaries (SCoS) if part of a composite delegation.
- •Acceptance of international air travel costs and hospitality from international bodies or under bilateral agreements is generally permitted.
- •Invitations received by officers based on their expertise, where no specific government business is transacted, are treated as personal visits, requiring leave and not funded by the government.
- •Deputation proposals must include all relevant details, including political and FCRA clearances if needed, and are referred to SCoS only if funds are available.
- •Foreign visits of officers up to the level of Joint Secretary are decided by Ministries/Departments in consultation with their Financial Advisor (FA) and with the approval of the Minister-in-charge.
Practical Example
Dr. Sharma, a renowned scientist working in the Ministry of Environment, receives an invitation to present his research at an international conference in Geneva. The conference organizers offer to cover his airfare and accommodation. According to Annexure I, Dr. Sharma can accept this offer, as it's from an international body. However, he must ensure that his deputation proforma includes all necessary details and clearances. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Culture wants to send a group of artists (non-officials) to a cultural festival in Paris at government expense. This requires the PM's approval, and the proposal must be routed through the SCoS if the artists are part of a larger government delegation. If not, the Ministry approaches the PMO directly.
This explanation was generated with AI assistance for educational purposes. Always refer to the official gazette notification for authoritative text.
Frequently Asked Questions
If an international organization offers to pay for my travel, do I still need government approval?▼
What happens if I receive an invitation to a conference related to my field but not directly related to my official duties?▼
What is SCoS and when is it involved in foreign visit approvals?▼
Who approves foreign visits for officers up to the level of Director?▼
What clearances are required for a deputation proposal?▼
This explanation was generated with AI assistance for educational purposes. Always refer to the official gazette notification for authoritative text.
Test Your Knowledge
Question 1 of 3
Under the Delegation of Financial Powers Rules, 1978, Annexure I, which authority's approval is required for the visit of non-officials at Government cost?
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