Disciplinary proceedings have reportedly been initiated against six India Tourism offices abroad, including that in London, Frankfurt and New York, the Rajya Sabha was informed. Complaints of financial irregularities have been cited as reasons for the proceedings for which inquiry is on-going. In a written reply, Mahesh Sharma, Minister for Tourism, Government of India said, “Based on allegations/complaints/audit observations, etc., received in the Ministry of Tourism against India Tourism Offices in Beijing, Frankfurt, Johannesburg, London, New York and Toronto, disciplinary proceedings have been initiated in cases where prima facie allegations were found to be substantiated.”
The India Tourism office in London also faces complaint of administrative lapses between 2008 and 2011. The proceedings are continuing at offices in Beijing, Frankfurt, Johannesburg and London, while report from Inquiry Authority has been received from offices in New York and Toronto, said Sharma.