The Prime Minister of the country, Union Ministers and Chief Ministers of the states have a lot of power constitutionally. Yes, this is also true. But they have all the power only under the Constitution and rules. This is the reason why no Union Minister and Chief Minister can go abroad to participate in any program without permission. Today we will tell you from which departments the Chief Minister has to take permission to go abroad.
Foreign Travel
Let us tell you that in the Paris Olympics 2024, the Indian men’s hockey team has made it to the semi-finals by defeating Britain. But do you know that when the team reached the quarter-finals, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann was going to go to Paris to encourage them. However, the central government did not approve his foreign tour. Due to which he could not go to France. But do you know who gives permission to the Chief Minister to go abroad?
Who gives permission for foreign travel?
Let us tell you that Union Ministers and Chief Ministers have to take approval from different departments before going on a foreign tour. There is a difference in the process of getting clearance for central and state ministers. For example, if the Chief Minister of a state has to travel abroad for personal or work purposes, then it is necessary to take clearance under the Political and Foreign Contribution Regulating Act. If an MP is going on a personal trip during the Parliament session, then he also needs the approval of the Prime Minister.
What is the rule?
A circular was issued by the Cabinet Secretariat in 2015 regarding foreign trips of Chief Ministers, Union Ministers and other government officials. According to which, the Chief Minister has to inform the Cabinet Secretariat and the Ministry of External Affairs before going on a foreign tour. Apart from this, in the case of Chief Ministers and Ministers of State Governments, a copy of the application should also be sent to the Secretary of Economic Affairs. Apart from this, it is necessary to inform the Prime Minister’s Office about the foreign trip of the Chief Minister or a Minister of any state.
Who gives political clearance?
Now the question is who gives political clearance to these leaders. Let us tell you that this clearance is given by the Ministry of External Affairs. This is necessary not only for Chief Ministers or MPs but also for any government employee for foreign travel. Before giving clearance, it is also seen what the program is, the level of participation of other countries and how are India’s relations with the host country. Apart from this, political clearance is given after seeing the strong security arrangements of the Chief Minister.
Apart from this, Lok Sabha MPs need approval from the Speaker and Rajya Sabha members need approval from the Chairman i.e. (Vice President of India). In this way, every public servant has to take permission from different officials to go abroad.
FCRA clearance is not required for these trips
Please note that if the entire expense of a foreign trip is being borne by the central/state government, then clearance is not required for that.
Apart from this, if the foreign trip is being undertaken for some personal reason and the entire expense is being borne by the concerned person.
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