Foreign Travel Instructions

F.No. 15/9/2006-IFU-III

Government of India

Ministry of Finance

Department of Revenue

New Delhi, the 10th May, 2007

Subject: Instructions on regulation of expenditure under the head ‘Foreign Travel Expenses’ -Reg. 

Revenue Secretary has ordered that all proposals for foreign travel by CBDT/CBEC/DOR should be put up sufficiently in advance Cabinet Secretariat and the Department of Expenditure have also issued instructions that the proposals requiring approval of Screening Committee should be referred to them 15 days before the date of journey/departure. It has now been decided that all foreign deputation proposals of officers would be further examined by the Adviser to F.M. before submission to Revenue Secrctary/MoS/FM.

(i). While inviting attention to instructions contained in the Deptt.’s G.M. of even number dated 8th May) 2006, all authorities are again requested to adhere to the following guidelines while forwarding proposals for visits abroad. Foreign travel should be restricted to most necessary and unavoidable official engagements.

 

(ii) Every foreign travel proposal should be accompanied by a note containing benefits derived from participation in the previous meeting(s) on the subject, tour report of previous participation and advantages/outcomes to be achieved by participation in the proposed visit.

(iii) Every proposal for visit abroad on bilateral negotiations may also be examined as to whether the purpose can be achieved through other modalities like video conferencing and e-mail, etc.

(iv) In respect of proposals involving acceptance of foreign hospitality, prior approval from MHA be obtained under FCRA well in advance.

(v) Norms prescribed by Department of Expenditure on number of delegates, period and frequency of visits in a financial year should be strictly adhered to If considered essential sufficient justification may be given for obtaining relaxation from the Department of Expenditure.

(vi) There is total ban on foreign travel for workshops/conferences/ Seminars, presentation of papers abroad funded by the Government of India except for annual and other formal meetings of bilateral/multilateral bodies. No proposals should be sent unless it is found essential and proper justification may be provided for seeking relaxation of Department of Expenditure.

(vii) Department & Divisions should take as much assistance as possible from the Missions abroad. Every proposal may be first examined by exploring possibility of India’s representatives in embassy/permanent missions being able to represent Government of India due to their experience/exposure/knowledge in the area.

(viii)The proposals requiring approval of Screening Committee be sent to IFU at least three weeks in advance as the same is to be sent to Department of Expenditure 15 days prior to the date of departure. The proposal requiring approval of Secretary and/or Hon’ble FM should be sent to IFU at least 15 days in advance.

6. A cheek-list to be submitted for foreign travel proposal is enclosed, This would be in addition to the Expenditure Proforma for deputation abroad. While formulating and recommending the proposal for foreign visit, it may invariably be ensured that cheek-list as well as Expenditure Proforma are duly filled and signed by concerned Joint Secretary and placed on the file.

7. Respective Divisions are requested to avoid sending proposals to IFU which are not meeting the above guidelines and checklist parameters.

(M. Deena Dayalan)

 Joint Secretary & Financial Adviser

End: as above

1. President, CESTAT

2. Chairman, CBEC

3. Chairman, CBDT

4- Addl. Secy.(Rev.)

5. DO, GElS

6. Director, Enforcement Directorate

7- JS(Revenue)

8. JS(Customs)

9. JS(Admn.J, CBEC.

lO JS(Admn.), CaDT.

11. Director(FIU-IND)

12. JS(PT&TR-E/tJ)

13. JS(TPL4/II)

14. Narcotics, Owalior

15. Chief Controller of Factories, Gcwt Opium & Alkaloid Works

16. Pr. CCA, CBEC

17. Pr. CCA, CBDT

I8 CCA(Finance)

Copy to:

1. PS to Hon’blc FM

2 PS to Minister of SLate (Revenue)

3, PS to Revenue Secretary

4, PS to Adviser to FM

(M. Deena Dayalan )

Joint Secretary & Financial Adviser