Tour details of President on website

15 February, 2013

The President's Secretariat has put on a website the list of only the media-persons who accompanied the President of India on Presidential tours in India and abroad, from the very beginning - starting from first President of India Dr. Rajendra Prasad.

But this is neither enough nor fulfils the directions given by Chief Information Commissioner - desiring complete lists of all the persons having toured with President of India on official trips.

Controversy arose after the then President of India Pratibha Patil was in limelight for misusing such highly costly trips for free leisure and pleasure of her relations (other than spouse) and friends, at the cost of tax-payers’ hard-earned money.

The President’s Secretariat should arrange to modify the website by giving list of all the persons mentioning their designations, etc., having accompanied any President of India on Presidential trips in India and abroad including also details of their friends and relations. Similar details should also be put on respective websites for other constitutional authorities if possible with expenses made on such trips.