Shillong, June 10: The Meghalaya Government has suspended all officially funded foreign visits by Ministers, Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) and government officials for six months as part of a broader austerity and expenditure rationalisation programme aimed at ensuring prudent use of public resources.

The decision, which the government said was taken in the larger public interest, comes against the backdrop of growing global economic uncertainties, heightened geopolitical tensions and increasing pressure on foreign exchange resources.

In a statement, the government said the move reflects its commitment to fiscal discipline and responsible governance, emphasising the need to prioritise public spending towards key developmental sectors and ongoing projects.

As a result of the decision, eight proposed foreign study tours and exposure visits involving approximately 63 to 68 officials and representatives from various government departments have been deferred.

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The proposed programmes included visits to the United Kingdom, Denmark, the United States, Japan, Thailand, Vietnam and Argentina. The tours were intended to provide exposure to international best practices in areas such as governance, livestock development, climate-resilient water management, healthcare systems, project implementation, environmental management and electoral administration.

The government clarified that the suspension is a temporary measure and should not be interpreted as a retreat from international engagement. It said efforts to facilitate knowledge exchange and collaboration with global institutions would continue through virtual platforms, technical partnerships and other cooperative mechanisms during the restriction period.

The notification further stated that the suspension will not apply to overseas visits that are fully funded by the Government of India or entirely sponsored by Multilateral Development Banks, provided such travel receives the requisite approvals from the Ministry of External Affairs.

Officials said the measure is intended to strike a balance between fiscal prudence and the state’s long-term developmental objectives while safeguarding public resources during a period of economic uncertainty.

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