Shillong (Meghalaya), June 10: The Meghalaya Government has suspended all state-funded foreign visits by Ministers, MLAs and officials for six months in an austerity move aimed at tightening public expenditure.
The decision, announced in June, comes amid global economic uncertainty, rising geopolitical tensions and pressure on foreign exchange reserves. The State Government said the pause will help keep resources focused on priority sectors and ongoing developmental commitments.
Eight proposed overseas study tours and exposure programmes involving 63 to 68 officials from departments including governance, livestock, water management, healthcare, environment and electoral administration have been deferred. The planned destinations included the UK, Denmark, the US, Japan, Thailand, Vietnam and Argentina.
Officials clarified the measure does not signal a retreat from international engagement. Planned learning and partnerships will be pursued virtually or through technical collaborations during the six-month period.
Trips fully funded by the Government of India or Multilateral Development Banks will continue, subject to clearance from the Ministry of External Affairs.
