The West Bengal government has issued a fresh set of guidelines tightening the rules for foreign travel by government employees. According to the new directive from Nabanna, the state secretariat, no government official or employee will be allowed to book air tickets or hotel accommodations for any overseas trip — official, LTC (Leave Travel Concession), or personal — without prior approval from the state government.
Chief Secretary Manoj Pant has issued a circular to all secretaries, special secretaries, and heads of departments, warning that any violation of the new rules will invite administrative action.
“The move comes after the administration found several instances where employees and officials were finalising travel bookings before obtaining mandatory government approval. This is a serious violation of government protocol,” said an official at Nabanna noting that such actions “undermine adherence to existing rules and procedural norms.”
The circular further clarifies that no relaxation or ‘special permission’ will be granted later simply because someone has already made travel or accommodation arrangements. Any official proceeding with foreign travel without prior sanction will face disciplinary measures.
As per the new guidelines, applications for foreign travel approval must be submitted to the concerned department at least four weeks in advance. Last-minute proposals will not be entertained. Department heads have been instructed to ensure strict compliance with this rule.
A senior state official said, “There is a specific process for every foreign trip approval. When someone makes bookings in advance, it creates procedural complications. This directive aims to enforce discipline and transparency across all departments.”
Nabanna’s internal surveillance reportedly revealed that some government employees were applying for approval after making full travel arrangements, creating administrative hurdles. The Chief Secretary has now moved decisively to end this practice.
According to government sources, the new rules are intended to bring greater transparency, accountability and timeliness in the approval process for foreign travel. The state administration believes that once implemented, the system will discourage employees from bypassing procedures and ensure a more orderly approval mechanism in future.
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