Goa Government Bans Foreign Travel For Officials After PM Modi's Appeal

After PM Modi's appeal, the Goa government has imposed an immediate ban on all official foreign visits by public servants funded fully or partially by the Government Exchequer citing the global scenario and the need to conserve foreign exchange reserves. The Pramod Sawant-led Government has also maintained that all previously approved foreign visits stand cancelled with immediate effect. The Goa government has issued an office memorandum to implement this mandatorily, and the order will remain in force until further notice.In Goa, officials of certain departments and, at times, ministers travel abroad for study tours. However, with Goa being a tourist state, the tourism department’s expenses on foreign travel are high, as senior officials frequently

travel abroad for expos and travel meets. Also responding to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's call, CM Sawant has also reduced his security convoy to more than half. CM Sawant has adopted the usage of EV vehicles and directed the state to expand the EV charging ecosystem. This switch towards EVs can also improve the carbon footprint of the state.Prime Minister Narendra Modi has made a sweeping appeal for collective national participation to help India tackle global economic disruptions, supply chain pressures, and rising prices caused by international conflicts. Addressing a rally in Hyderabad, the Prime Minister urged citizens to adopt responsible lifestyles, reduce unnecessary consumption and prioritise national interest during the ongoing global uncertainty. He has urged people to significantly reduce petrol and diesel consumption to help conserve foreign exchange and reduce import dependence.