Panaji: The Goa government has imposed an immediate ban on all official foreign travel by public servants funded through the state exchequer, citing the need to conserve foreign exchange reserves amid the prevailing economic situation.
According to the government order, all official foreign visits undertaken at the expense of the state government have been prohibited with immediate effect. The directive also states that all previously approved foreign tours stand cancelled, and no fresh proposals for official overseas travel will be entertained until further orders.
The decision applies to public servants whose foreign visits are financed wholly or partly by the state exchequer. Departments and government offices have been instructed to strictly comply with the new directive and ensure that no expenditure is incurred on official foreign travel during the period of the ban.
To ensure that international cooperation and official engagements continue without disruption, the government has advised all departments to adopt virtual modes of communication, including video conferencing and online meetings, in place of overseas travel wherever feasible. Officials have been asked to leverage digital platforms for conferences, bilateral discussions, training programmes, and other international interactions.
The government said the measure is aimed at reducing public expenditure on foreign travel while contributing to the conservation of foreign exchange reserves. It added that the move is part of broader efforts to promote fiscal prudence and encourage cost-effective governance.
Departments have also been directed to review any ongoing plans involving international visits and make suitable alternative arrangements through virtual platforms. Any exceptions to the directive, if considered necessary, are expected to require specific approval from the competent authority.
The order has come into force with immediate effect, and all government departments have been instructed to ensure strict implementation until further directions are issued by the state government.
