The country's senior-most bureaucrats now have to cut back on their international junkets, with the prime minister having instructed them to undertake only those trips where their presence is indispensbale.

A letter from the cabinet secretary on behalf of the prime minister asks all ministries to let their secretaries travel abroad "only in essential circumstances".

Clarifying the protocol for such trips, the PM has suggested that the ministries consider the level of particpation of other countries in international meetings and conferences before sending babus.

The letter also carried an annexure with guidelines for such tours.

The bureaucrats have been disallowed from travelling abroad during a parliamnetary session. Bilateral meetings of joint working groups/task forces/commissions will, however merit their presence, says the letter.

It establishes the ministry of external affairs (MEA) as the ultimate authority on approval of most jaunts. The government, however, discourages visits on invitation from non-governmental bodies unless specifically recommended by the MEA or the embassy/commission in the host country.

It also states that a minister and the secretary are not allowed to be away on junkets at the same time. However, under conditions that necessisate such travel plans, prime ministerial sanction would be needed.

The letter also cautioned the babus on absence from the headquarters of their departments, reminding them that such trips can only be a week long or lesser.