Center issues new guidelines for government employees to receive awards from private bodies

L Center has published new guidelines on government employees receiving awards from private organisations, making prior approval of the competent authority mandatory before accepting them.

According to the Personnel Ministry, the approval can be granted “only in exceptional circumstances”.

This measure was taken after it was reported that the existing instructions in this regard were not being followed in letter and spirit.

“Consequently, it is clarified that: Awards given by private organizations/institutions/organizations can be accepted only with the prior approval of the competent authority,” an order issued by the Personnel Ministry said.

As per the orders issued to all Ministries/Departments of the Central Government, the competent authority to accept the award on behalf of any Government official will be the Secretary of the concerned Ministry/Department.

“The competent authority for sanctioning awards on behalf of Secretaries and Secretary level officers to the Government of India will be the Cabinet Secretary”, the order said, adding that approval “may be given only in exceptional circumstances”. ,

Provided that the prize shall not have any monetary component in the form of benefits and/or features.

“The reputation of private organizations/institutions/organizations should be untainted,” the order said.

Rule 14 of the Central Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 1964 states that “No officer of the Government shall, without the previous sanction of the Government, make any speech of courtesy or farewell, nor accept any testimony nor Will only attend any meeting.” or the entertainment celebrated in his honour”. , or in respect of any other public server”.

In 1999, the Ministry of Personnel issued another order stating, “In general, it is not necessary to give awards given by organizations and private institutions to government officials”, as the government has a number of ways to recognize them. Are. Ability. , .and service.

Additionally, another order issued by the ministry in 2000 stated that “it was emphasized that government officials should not be allowed to accept concessions for monetary gain set up by fidecomisos/private funds etc.” “However, it has been observed that these instructions are not respected in their true spirit”, the ministry’s final order said, demanding strict compliance with the new guidelines.