Central Government Criticizes Kerala Over Appointment of “External Cooperation” Official

New Delhi:

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) expressed criticism on Thursday over the Kerala government’s decision to appoint a secretary for “external cooperation,” emphasizing that state governments should not overstep their constitutional boundaries.

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal cited constitutional provisions, stating that foreign affairs fall exclusively under the central government’s jurisdiction.

On July 15, the Kerala government assigned K Vasuki, a secretary in the labour and skills department, with additional responsibilities related to “external cooperation”.

“According to the Constitution of India, the seventh schedule, list 1 (Union list), item 10, clearly designates foreign affairs and all related matters as the sole prerogative of the Union Government,” Jaiswal explained.

“This is not a concurrent subject and certainly not a state subject. Our stance is that state governments should refrain from engaging in matters beyond their constitutional jurisdiction,” he added.

On Monday, BJP MP P P Chaudhary addressed the issue in Lok Sabha, labeling the Kerala government’s move as “unconstitutional” and an “encroachment” on the Centre’s responsibilities.

“Is the Kerala government acting as if it is a separate nation?” he questioned.

The BJP parliamentarian argued that external cooperation involves interactions with various nations, Indian embassies, and missions abroad—functions that are part of the Union List as per the allocation of business rules.

“According to these rules, only the Government of India, through the Ministry of External Affairs, can perform these functions,” said the MP from Pali in Rajasthan.

“Therefore, the Kerala government’s action in issuing such an order and appointing an IAS officer as foreign secretary is unconstitutional and represents an encroachment on the union list,” he concluded.