Purchase of gifts at higher prices than their actual cost by MEA
10 Feb, 2012
In its reply to a RTI activist, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) reportedly informed that the preliminary investigation conducted by the Ministry could not establish, prima facie, any clear involvement or complicity of the concerned officials of MEA. The CBI has been requested to undertake a detailed investigation into the matter. Action against those found guilty is contemplated only after the completion of the CBI inquiry.
The MEA found during its preliminary investigation that gifts were purchased at much higher prices than their actual cost. The “Gift Scam” came to light after reports that several gifts, which were purchased for foreign dignitaries during Foreign Ministers Krishna's visit to Malaysia and Myanmar, were of inferior quality and purchased at an exorbitant price.