Home Ministry Directs Stricter Compliance For Engaging Consultants In Sensitive Policy Work

This decision followed “serious lapses” in the work of some consultants who have been assisting government officials on crucial foreign missions.

The Home Affairs Ministry, in a notice dated Oct. 25, outlined new standard operating procedures. It stated that ministries and departments themselves should verify the credentials of consultants, including technical experts, involved in sensitive policy work. These credentials must be shared with the Ministry of Home Affairs.

NDTV Profit reviewed the directives sent by the MHA's Internal Security Division.

The Ministry further instructed that ministries obtain vigilance clearance from the respective ministries when engaging retired government officials. Consultants who have worked with foreign missions should only be engaged after a two-year “cooling off” period. They must also sign a non-disclosure agreement specifying all relevant details.

The hiring process should include mandatory security briefings for consultants, covering security protocols and the dos and don'ts from a security perspective. Strict access control and “need to know” norms must be followed.

The MHA's internal security division flagged “serious lapses” in the engagement of consultants for “foreign missions.” The letter noted that some consultants have been hired directly for sensitive work without adhering to the required “cooling off” period.

These consultants were granted unrestricted access to senior officials’ digital devices and internal deliberations without obtaining the mandatory special security clearance and briefing.

The letter also cited a recent security breach during a foreign mission, where a consultant was found to have a relationship with foreign diplomats. The consultant spent long hours within the foreign mission premises and even prepared an official report for the diplomat while also attending to his regular official duties.