Taking strong objection to government officers interacting with foreign service nationals, embassy staffers of other countries, the ministry of home affairs (MHA) has sent a word of caution to the Union health ministry.
It has said that such contracts give an opportunity to the foreign nationals (some of whom may be intelligence operatives) to cultivate sources within the government and push their agenda. The MHA has asked the health ministry to advise its officers to follow the rules laid down by the government that restricts them from such dealings.
The home secretary. R.K. Singh, in his strongly worded letter has also brought out instances where officers at different levels have been found to be in touch with embassy officers for personal favours like asking for nomination for courses abroad. “This is entirely reprehensible. Specific instances have come to the notice of this ministry where officers have been in touch with staffers of other countries in contravention of the laid down rules/circulars,” said the letter. The home secretary has said that matter regarding the “specific officers” will be taken up separately.
Meanwhile, it has asked the health secretary to advise all officers strictly to follow rules and guidelines laid down by the government. Sources said that the copy of MHA letter has been sent to all joint secretaries and senior health ministry officials. “This is a serious matter and it will be taken up with the officers. The officers have been advised to abstain from such actions and follow the rules and regulations laid down by the government,” sources said. The existing rules prohibit interactions of government officials with foreign working/at-tached with embassies or high commissions.