PMO knew about Alagiri's holiday visit during budget session

The Prime Minister's Office was aware of the "holiday trip" of Union minister MK Alagiri to Maldives during the Budget Session of Parliament, which saw the Opposition questioning the DMK leader's absence.

In an RTI response, Union Chemical and Fertilisers Ministry has said, "Prime Minister's Office was informed" about the five-day private visit between April 17-22 (excluding the journey time).

Responding to a question about the rules and norms to be followed by union ministers with regard to their responsibilities and duties towards parliament before going on such trips, the ministry said,"approval of the PMO is required".

The absence of the minister from the House had come under severe criticism from the opposition during the session.

Lok Sabha speaker Meira Kumar was also not aware about the holiday visit of the Union Chemical and Fertiliser Minister when the session was in progress and had indicated her unhappiness over his behaviour, saying that Parliament runs on courtesy and decorum.

"We have received no communication from him. Whenever he (Alagiri) comes, I will ask him whatever is his problem I will try to resolve... I am here to resolve," the speakers had said.

"Prime minister Manmohan Singh and other ministers are very particular about it (courtesy and decorum). Whenever they go, they always inform my office," she had said.