New Delhi:
Taking strong objection to officers interacting closely or seeking favours from staffers and officials of embassies of other nations, the Indian government has asked its employees to desist from such actions which were "reprehensible" and in violation of the rules laid down.
In a strongly worded letter, Union Home Secretary R K Singh told Secretaries of all ministries and departments that specific instances have come to the Home Ministry's notice where officers have been in touch with or interacted with Foreign Service National (FSN), embassy officials or staffers of other countries in contravention of the laid rules and circulars.
"Such contacts give an opportunity to FSN, embassy officials or staffers to cultivate sources within the government and push their agenda," the letter said.
The Home Secretary conveyed that government has also come across specific instances where officers at different levels have been in touch with foreign government staffers seeking "personal favours like being nominated for courses abroad".
"This is entire reprehensible," RK Singh said and asked the Secretaries to advice all officers to strictly follow the existing rules and guidelines.