West Bengal Government Implements Strict Foreign Travel Guidelines for Employees

The West Bengal government has implemented stringent guidelines regarding foreign travel for government employees, according to an official statement released on Sunday.

A formal notification has been issued clarifying that government employees must obtain prior permission for all types of foreign travel, whether personal, on Leave Travel Concession (LTC), or for official purposes.

The notification explicitly states that making travel or accommodation arrangements before receiving proper authorization constitutes a violation of administrative protocols.

Chief Secretary Manoj Pant stated in the official notification: "It has been observed that certain government officials across various departments are seeking permission from the competent authority for private foreign visits, foreign visits under LTC, or official visits after already making travel bookings and accommodation arrangements."

The notification emphasizes that "Such actions undermine adherence to existing rules and procedural norms. No relaxation or special consideration shall be entertained merely on the basis that travel or accommodation arrangements have already been made. All concerned are advised to strictly adhere to the extent of instructions governing prior permission for such visits, to ensure procedural propriety and administrative compliance."

Additionally, the government directive mandates: "All HODs shall ensure that under normal circumstances, the proposals are sent to this office at least four weeks prior to the commencement of the period of leave."

The Chief Secretary has explicitly instructed that no exceptions will be granted simply because travel arrangements have already been made. Government regulations require mandatory prior permission for foreign travel, and the notification indicates potential administrative action against employees who fail to comply.

Government sources reveal that this initiative aims to establish consistent discipline in the permission process related to foreign travel for government employees.