Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji
Panaji, May 17: The Government of Goa has imposed an immediate ban on all official foreign visits by public servants funded fully or partially by the government exchequer following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeal for resource conservation amid prevailing global uncertainties.
The Pramod Sawant-led government also announced that all previously approved foreign visits stand cancelled with immediate effect. An official memorandum has been issued making the order mandatory until further notice.
In Goa, officials from several departments, and at times ministers, regularly travel abroad for study tours and official engagements. The tourism department, in particular, incurs significant expenditure on overseas travel as senior officials frequently participate in international expos and tourism promotion events.
The state government said the decision was taken in view of the global economic situation and the need to conserve foreign exchange reserves.
Officials noted that outbound foreign travel leads to substantial outflow of foreign exchange as Indian travellers convert rupees into foreign currencies. Reports indicate that Indians spent nearly 31.7 billion US dollars on overseas travel during 2023-24, increasing pressure on forex reserves and the rupee during periods of economic stress.
Responding to the Prime Minister’s appeal, Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has also reduced his security convoy by more than half and adopted the use of electric vehicles (EVs). He has directed authorities to expand the EV charging infrastructure across the state to promote cleaner transportation and reduce carbon emissions.
Addressing a rally in Hyderabad earlier, Prime Minister Modi had urged citizens to adopt responsible lifestyles, cut unnecessary consumption and prioritise national interest amid global economic disruptions, supply chain challenges and rising prices caused by international conflicts.
The Prime Minister also appealed to people to reduce petrol and diesel consumption to conserve foreign exchange and lower India’s dependence on fuel imports.