Participation of Government servants in the Indo-Foreign cultural organizations

(7) Participation of Government servants in the Indo-Foreign cultural organizations

The Government of India have had under consideration the question whether Government servants should be allowed to participate in the activities of Indian-Foreign Cultural Organisations such as the German-Indian Association, the Indo-Soviet Cultural Society, etc. The matter has been considered in consultation with the Ministry of External Affairs and the conclusion reached is that there is objection in principle to Government servants becoming members or office holders of such organizations despite the fact that their objectives may be praiseworthy and unobjectionable. One of the reasons is that when foreign dignitaries relating to a particular organization come to India, addresses are often presented by these organizations. In some cases it may not be desirable for Government servants to be associated with such addresses, as they are bound to be as members or as office bearers. Some of these cultural organizations may not be very important or influential while others are very active and on occasions take a political stand which may be embarrassing to Government servants. In view of these considerations it has been decided that while such organizations may, in suitable cases, be looked upon with favour and assisted, the association of Government servants with such organizations should be avoided.

[MHA OM No. 25/35/56-Ests.(A), dated 24.01.1957]