24 MEA employees posted abroad facing corruption charges : LS reply

The number of employees of Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) including its Missions/ Posts abroad currently facing disciplinary proceedings on charges of corruption is 24, which includes one staff employed on contract basis at local level. Since the disciplinary proceedings are under process, no further details can be disclosed, it was informed in the Lok Sabha. As the officials of the Ministry of External Affairs represent the country abroad, the Ministry attaches utmost importance to probity and follows the policy of zero tolerance towards cases involving corruption and violation of conduct rules of the Government. On receipt of any complaint, investigations are carried on priority and suitable penalty is imposed if charges are proved. Ministry also strictly enforces preventive vigilance by way of issuing and reiterating extant rules and guidelines, conducting periodic inspections in Missions/Posts abroad and extending full cooperation to investigating agencies as and when required, it was replied.