Eight overseas study tours involving nearly 70 officials deferred as state prioritises fiscal discipline and development spending
Shillong: The Meghalaya government has imposed a six-month suspension on all officially funded foreign travel by ministers, MLAs and government officials, citing the need for tighter financial management and prudent use of public funds.
The restriction, notified by the Personnel & Administrative Reforms Department, is part of a broader austerity and expenditure-rationalisation exercise aimed at safeguarding resources for key development priorities.
As a result, eight planned overseas study and exposure visits involving approximately 63 to 68 participants have been put on hold. The proposed programmes covered sectors such as governance, healthcare, livestock development, environmental management, climate-resilient water systems, project implementation and electoral administration.
Officials said the decision comes amid growing global economic uncertainty, geopolitical challenges and concerns over foreign exchange pressures, prompting governments to adopt a more cautious approach to spending. The postponed visits were scheduled to take place in countries including the United Kingdom, Denmark, the United States, Japan, Thailand, Vietnam and Argentina.
Despite the temporary suspension, the government clarified that the move does not signal a retreat from international cooperation. Instead, departments have been encouraged to pursue knowledge-sharing through virtual interactions, technical collaborations and other cost-effective platforms.
The order exempts foreign visits that are fully financed by the Government of India or sponsored entirely by Multilateral Development Banks, subject to necessary approvals from the Ministry of External Affairs and other competent authorities. The government said the measure is intended to balance fiscal responsibility with ongoing development and capacity-building efforts.
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