📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Paul Kruszka, Yonit A Addissie, Cedrik Tekendo-Ngo
Crime
Neerja Gupta travelled to US on government expense despite travel ban, got ₹5.88 lakh
✍️ Bhaskar English
🗓 30 Sep 2026, 07:45 AM
👁 9
Neerja Gupta ignored a departmental order and went to the United States on government funds, receiving an expense allowance of ₹5.88 lakh despite an official travel ban.
Senior government official Neerja Gupta reportedly undertook a trip to the United States using public funds even though a formal travel ban was in place. According to departmental records, the ban was communicated through the registrar’s office, but Gupta proceeded with the journey regardless.
The finance department subsequently issued an expense reimbursement of ₹5.88 lakh for the trip, a move that has drawn criticism from oversight bodies. Officials familiar with the case said the sanction was granted despite clear instructions to halt any overseas travel for the concerned cadre.
The incident has sparked calls for a probe into the breach of protocol and the misuse of taxpayer money. Authorities are expected to review the matter under existing anti-corruption guidelines, and disciplinary action may be considered if violations are confirmed.
While the exact purpose of Gupta’s visit remains undisclosed, the episode highlights growing concerns over adherence to government orders and fiscal responsibility within the public service.
The finance department subsequently issued an expense reimbursement of ₹5.88 lakh for the trip, a move that has drawn criticism from oversight bodies. Officials familiar with the case said the sanction was granted despite clear instructions to halt any overseas travel for the concerned cadre.
The incident has sparked calls for a probe into the breach of protocol and the misuse of taxpayer money. Authorities are expected to review the matter under existing anti-corruption guidelines, and disciplinary action may be considered if violations are confirmed.
While the exact purpose of Gupta’s visit remains undisclosed, the episode highlights growing concerns over adherence to government orders and fiscal responsibility within the public service.