MP ignores govt order to amend notice on Ministers

Madhya Pradesh's BJP government hasn't rescinded its controversial circular issued this April that made Bhopal's prior approval a must for hosting union ministers. But it has claimed the directive wasn't aimed at curtailing movement of central ministers but facilitating them.

Madhya Pradesh's BJP government hasn't rescinded its controversial circular issued this April that made Bhopal's prior approval a must for hosting union ministers. But it has claimed the directive wasn't aimed at curtailing movement of central ministers but facilitating them.

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In a controversial move, the state government had directed all departments and districts to inform and secure approval from the government before organising functions and meetings taken by union ministers and central dignitaries. The circular was issued days after a central minister alleged corruption in implementation of central schemes.

The home ministry had strongly objected to the circular, arguing that this was contrary to the established norms and practices. The home ministry missive also sought confirmation that the directive had been modified or rescinded.

In response, the state insisted that the instruction was meant to keep the state in the loop so that it could send representatives if necessary and also ensure coordination. Also, it was meant to avoid any clash with other instructions by the state of an immediate nature, the state government told the home ministry last month.