(a) the total amount spent by the Government on the rent of hired buildings for Indian Missions during each of the last three years;
(b) the names of the countries where Indian Missions are working in hired accommodation; and
(c) the effective steps taken/proposed to be taken by the Government to construct its own buildings for Indian Missions in all the countries in order to save huge expenditure incurred on rent ?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS (SHRI DIGVIJAY SINGH)
(a) The latest, comprehensive figures are being collated and will be laid on the Table of the House.
(b) As per Annexure-I
(c) It may be mentioned that out of about 160 Missions/Posts functioning abroad, Government of India already owns 72 Chancery buildings, 78 Embassy Residences and over 600 other residences. A comprehensive plan for purchase/construction of properties abroad, to be implemented over a 5-year period from 2001 has been drawn up by the Ministry of External Affairs. This plan is periodically reviewed keeping in view the changing market conditions, political environment, economic viability, functional requirements and availability of funds. The Ministry has also constituted a Monitoring Committee headed by Foreign Secretary to take follow-up action on property construction and purchase proposals.