Goa govt bans foreign travel for officials (Img: Internet)
New Delhi: The Goa government has imposed an immediate ban on all official foreign visits by public servants funded fully or partially through government expenditure, citing the need to conserve foreign exchange amid global economic uncertainty.
The decision comes days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged citizens and governments to adopt responsible spending practices and reduce unnecessary consumption in view of ongoing international economic pressures.
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According to an official memorandum issued by the Goa government, all previously approved overseas visits funded through the state exchequer stand cancelled with immediate effect.
The order will remain in force until further notice and applies to officials travelling abroad on study tours, conferences, expos and official meetings financed either fully or partially by government funds.
The move is expected to significantly affect departments such as tourism, where senior officials frequently travel overseas for international trade fairs and promotional events.
The state government said the decision was taken in view of the current global situation and the importance of preserving India’s foreign exchange reserves.
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Prime Minister Modi, during a recent public address in Hyderabad, had appealed for collective efforts to reduce fuel consumption, unnecessary imports and avoidable foreign expenditure as global conflicts continue to impact energy markets and supply chains.
He also urged people to prioritise national interest during periods of economic uncertainty.
Alongside the travel restrictions, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has also reduced the size of his official security convoy and increased the use of electric vehicles for official purposes.
The state government has additionally directed authorities to strengthen the EV charging network across Goa as part of efforts to promote cleaner transportation and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
Officials said the transition towards electric mobility would also contribute to lowering the state’s carbon footprint. The Goa government’s measures are being viewed as part of a broader push towards economic prudence, energy conservation and sustainable governance practices.
