Question : LOSS OF REVENUE IN MISSIONS POSTS ABROAD

(a) whether the deficiency in internal control and monitoring system in realisation of Visa and Consular Service fees by the Missions and Posts abroad has led to loss of revenue of Rs.9.25 crore as pointed out in paras 8.2 and 8.3 of CAG in its Report No.2 of 2000;

(b) whether instructions were issued in this behalf to Missions and Posts;

(c) if so, the steps proposed to be taken by the Government to enquire into the negligence of the staff at the Missions and Posts abroad and to fix responsibility in this regard; and

(d) the measures proposed to be taken to recover the loss of revenue of 18.15 crores (Rs.9.25 + 8.90 crores)?

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS (SHRI VINOD KHANNA)

(a) No. Ministry does not agree with the observations of audit. The lapse was due to oversight or misinterpretation of rules.

(b) It has been decided by the Ministry to circulate updated instructions to the Missions and Posts at regular intervals. Missions have themselves introduced internal control systems as suggested by Audit.

(c)&(d) Audit has not recommended any recovery.