Stung by leaks of classified documents, the government has made it mandatory for bureaucrats to take permission before carrying files home. Ministries have also been ordered to reduce the use of intercoms and maintain a record of all photocopies made in their offices.
This follows an extensive investigation by the police and the CBI, which started with the discovery last month that oil ministry documents were leaked to energy consultants and corporates.
Under the new, tougher rules, Indians working with foreign companies have to go through security filters in defence buildings and other strategic offices, just like foreign nationals. They also have to apply 10 days in advance for security screening.
The ministries will restrict media interactions to spokespersons and others authorised to do so, install access control devices and increase the number of closed-circuit televisions.
In February, 17 people were arrested in the corporate espionage case related to the Petroleum Ministry, and one person was arrested on the charge of leaking confidential documents from the Coal and Power ministries.