New Delhi: Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann’s plan to attend the Paris Olympics and support the Indian men’s hockey team, with 19 players from Punjab, was rejected by the central government due to security concerns. Mann claimed it’s his duty to encourage the players, but was denied permission, leading him to allege that Punjab is being treated unfairly.
Multiple approvals required
Prior to embarking on a foreign tour, central ministers and chief ministers must obtain approval from various departments, adhering to distinct clearance processes. State chief ministers require political and FCRA (Foreign Contribution Regulating Act) clearance for both personal and official international travel. Members of Parliament (MPs) must also secure the prime minister’s approval for personal trips undertaken during Parliament sessions.
As per a circular issued by the Cabinet Secretariat in 2015, chief ministers are obligated to notify the Cabinet Secretariat and the Ministry of External Affairs prior to embarking on a foreign tour. Furthermore, chief ministers and state government ministers must submit a copy of their application to the Secretary of Economic Affairs. Additionally, the Prime Minister’s Office must be informed of the foreign tour plans of chief ministers or state ministers.
MEA’ role
The Ministry of External Affairs grants political clearance for international travel, a requirement for all government employees, including chief ministers, MPs, and bureaucrats. The ministry receives hundreds of requests monthly and examines factors like the event’s relevance, participation level, invitation type, and India’s relations with the host country before approval.
Security arrangements are also assessed, which is why Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s application to visit Paris was rejected due to his Z-plus security cover, which requires 50 soldiers for 24/7 protection. Lok Sabha MPs need Speaker’s approval, while Rajya Sabha members require Chairman’s (Vice President’s) approval. Until 2016, political clearance was applied for online.
FCRA approval
When a foreign trip involves hospitality from organisations other than the United Nations (UN), FCRA (Foreign Contribution Regulation Act) approval from the Home Ministry is mandatory. According to Section 6 of FCRA, government employees, including MPs, MLAs, judges, and officials, are prohibited from accepting foreign hospitality during international travel unless prior permission is obtained from the central government.
To avail hospitality, an FC-2 form must be submitted at least two weeks before the trip, detailing the trip’s necessity, Ministry of External Affairs approval, and the type of hospitality to be received. Failure to submit the form on time may result in FCRA clearance being denied.
According to a memorandum issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs in 2022, such foreign travel does not require FCRA clearance-
- The entire expense of the foreign trip is being borne by the Central/State Government.
- The foreign trip is being undertaken for personal purpose and the entire expenditure on it is being borne by the person concerned.
- Where hospitality is being provided by an Indian citizen living abroad.