Fiscal Accountability.

The Ministry of Finance's recent move to restrict payments for senior bureaucrats travelling overseas on foreign invitations is a laudable step towards ensuring the responsible use of public funds. This initiative targets the widespread misuse of daily allowance facilities that have been costing taxpayers a considerable amount. The practice of claiming daily allowances, even when officials are fully funded by international agencies, foreign governments, or NGOs, has been a significant financial drain on public resources.

The misuse of daily allowances by government officials, who have been enjoying fully sponsored trips while still drawing funds from the public exchequer, is not only financially irresponsible but also morally questionable. It is a misinterpretation of the rules and an incorrect application of applicable regulations.

The new measures introduced by the Ministry of Finance are designed to address this issue. They stipulate that government officials can claim only 30% of the daily allowance if they are considered 'state guests' by their host nation and are provided with boarding and lodging. This is a fair and sensible provision that ensures that taxpayers' money is used judiciously.

Furthermore, government officials attending fully sponsored seminars...