India reviewing policy of providing domestic help to diplomats

Islamabad, June 23 (PTI) India is reviewing the policy of
providing domestic help to its diplomats abroad, against the
backdrop of allegations of mistreatment of a former maid faced
by its Consul General in New York Prabu Dayal.
Foreign Secretary Nirupama Rao has ordered a review of
the policy, official sources said, adding the government would
look at the policies of other countries as well to avoid the
lawsuits arising out of such incidents.
The review was prompted after a recent incident involving
Dayal came to light, with his maid accusing him of
mistreatment.
"We are disappointed and surprised at the allegations
against Consul General (CG) of India in New York, Mr Prabhu
Dayal, by his former employee, which appear to be motivated
and baseless," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Vishnu
Prakash said in a statement.
He said Dayal had "impeccable personal and professional
integrity" and India was "disappointed and deeply concerned
that Indian diplomats and their family members should be
targeted in such a manner in a friendly country like the US."
"Such actions impede the ability of the individuals in
question to discharge their official responsibilities and
cause untold mental harassment and anguish and they cannot be
dismissed lightly," Prakash said.
"The treatment being meted out to Indian diplomats or
their family members, has resulted in negative public
perceptions in India with attendant implications," he said.
Dayal has been slapped with forced labour charges after
his 45-year-old domestic help Santosh Bhardwaj accused him of
treating her like a "slave".
The allegations have been termed as "mischievous and
malicious lies" by Dayal. PTI PYK
KAP