Indian diplomatic missions: MEA puts in place mechanism for prompt action against erring officers

NEW DELHI: The Ministry External Affairs is said to have put in place a mechanism for stricter vigilance and prompt action against erring officers posted in various Indian diplomatic missions.

The recalling of envoy to New Zealand Ravi Thapar (1983 batch IFS) was a case in point when MEA headquarters in Delhi acted within days of the incident to liaison with the local government and Indian mission and take necessary action. The case will be further investigated while Thapar is posted at headquarters, official sources indicated.

Sources said it not only the IFS but also officials from other services, including IAS and IPS, and junior officers, who be be under the scanner now. It is understood that over 20 officers with diplomatic passports are under scanner.

A few years ago, an IAS posted in the Indian High Commission in London was recalled for physically assaulting his wife.

The MEA is particularly active on complaints received from the members of Indian community abroad. Social media has made the job of complainants easier by helping them highlight grievances easily and also receive real-time answers and help from Delhi. With a government that has made diaspora outreach a key objective, Indian Embassies and High Commissions have made special attention to engage with the expat community.

As per official figures, six complaints against officials in Indian missions were received in 2012, 10 in 2013 and 27 in 2014. A maximum of eight complaints each have been received from the missions in UK and Madagascar in the last three years.