‘No reports from previous trips’: Karnataka bans foreign travel for govt officials till year-end

Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah

The Karnataka government, on September 24, issued a directive banning all official foreign travel for state government officers with immediate effect until the end of 2025, or till further notice.

The move follows observations that several officials have failed to submit mandatory reports on learnings and outcomes from previously undertaken official foreign trips.

According to the government circular issued by the Department of Personnel and Administrative Reforms, officers who wish to seek approval for future foreign travel must first submit a detailed report on prior trips, highlighting learnings and recommendations. "Only after submission and review of these reports will proposals for new trips be considered," the circular stated.

Approved by the Chief Minister, the circular also states that all study tours abroad conducted between August 2024 and July 2025 must have accompanying reports submitted within a week of this directive.

The circular has been circulated to all Additional Chief Secretaries, Principal Secretaries, Secretaries, the Director General and Inspector General of Police, the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, and officials in the Chief Minister’s office.