New Delhi: The Ministry of External Affairs collected information regarding the interactions between Minister for Higher Education K T Jaleel and the UAE Consulate in Thiruvananthapuram. The Centre intervened in the controversy regarding the distribution of Ramzan kit from UAE.
A top official told Mathrubhumi that the matter was discussed at various departments of the ministry on Monday. The official said that as prima facie evidence for the breach of law to accept foreign aid was received, the issue has been brought into the attention of the Ministry of Finance.
The Ministry of External Affairs had collected details of the minister's direct interaction with the Consulate from the Customs officers. A state minister need not directly interact with the representatives of foreign countries. There is no need of parallel interactions in diplomatic matters, he added.
Apart from this, they are also investigating if the criteria for arranging security for the consular general has been violated. UAE had applied for security for the consulate just like all other countries do.
However, this request was misinterpreted and a personal security staff was appointed for the officials and their contract was extended for three years. It is believed that there is high level pressure behind this move, the officials said.
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