Kejriwal Singapore visit: What permission does any CM need to travel abroad?

New Delhi: Aam Adami Party (AAP) leaders, including CM Arvind Kejriwal, accused the BJP government of not allowing him to go to Singapore to attend the World Cities Summit. The CM also wrote a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding the matter. It is reported that so far he did not get permission to travel abroad for over a month. The Summit will be held as an in-person event from 31 July to 3 August.

Taking to media on July 19, Kejriwal said, ”I am an elected MLA. I don’t understand why am I being stopped (from going to World Cities Summit). Singapore govt has called me to tell them about the Delhi model- growth of services in health & schools. This will promote the country on an international level.”

However, the question arises why does any CM need permission to travel abroad? Amid the debate over what is right and wrong, let’s tell you what the rule says.

Kejriwal needs political and FCRA clearance

The process to get permission to travel abroad, either official or private, starts with informing the Cabinet Secretariat. Chief Ministers and ministers of state governments and Union Territories also need to inform the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).

Moreover, they also need clearance from FCRA (Foreign Contribution Regulation Act) before getting political approval.

PMO sends notice to MEA

After receiving the application, the PMO transfers it to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). The MEA then sent the application to the Indian Mission to a country where the leader plans to visit.

It is reported that the government of India launched an online service to get e-political clearance in 2016.

After a thorough investigation, the MEA sends back the application with recommendations and the report to the PMO. Notably, the final call is taken by the PMO.